Dabney Coleman, ‘9 to 5’ Star and ‘Boardwalk Empire’ Actor, Dies at 92
By J. Kim Murphy
Dabney Coleman Dabney Coleman, an Emmy-winning actor who played the character in the comedy film ” 9 to 5” and whose work in both television and film spans more than six decades, died on Thursday in his home, Santa Monica, Calif. He was 92.
Coleman’s death was confirmed by the Varietyby his daughter, Quincy Coleman.
“My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity,” Quincy Coleman said in a statement. “As his life unfolded his life, he performed this last stage that he had to endure with grace, quality and skill. A mentor, hero and a king Dabney Coleman was a blessing and a blessing both in life and after death, as his spirit will reflect in his work, the love of his ones, and the legacy he left… forever. And always, ‘A goddamn, good looking man. ‘”
An actor who staged in the beginning of the career of his father, Coleman gained a brand new status in the ’80s, after securing the part in the role of Franklin Hart, Jr. The misogynistic boss who Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton’s main trio dream of taking down on “9 to 5.”
The film was rated the second-highest release in the US in 1980 the film propelled Coleman as a popular choice for casting for arrogant heels. Coleman also had another notable part as a sexist soap-opera director, in the film of Sydney Pollack’s best picture award-winning film “Tootsie.” Pollack and Coleman were close friends, having worked together on their initial three films.
Similar satirical slurs of authorities were seen in Coleman’s performance in 1993’s movie adaptation “The Beverly Hillbillies” and the 1994 comedy cult favorite “Clifford,” as well in his voice acting role as Principal Prickly in the animated ’90s television series “Recess.”
Coleman has also been a highly acclaimed actor of the dramatic who was awarded his first Emmy for his role in 1987’s TV movie “Sworn to Silence,” that followed the tensions within the Amish community following a series of murders. In 2011 and 2012 Coleman was awarded Screen Actors Guild awards for outstanding performances of an ensemble in the drama series due to his role in the actors in HBO’s ” Boardwalk Empire.” In addition Coleman earned the first Emmy nomination back in 1983 for his performance in the acclaimed, but sadly short-lived comedy sitcom “Buffalo Bill.”
Born on Jan. 3rd, 1932, in Austin, Texas, Coleman’s father passed away when he was just four. His mother raised him, Coleman went to his school at Virginia Military Institute before serving in the Army and later studying law in the University of Texas. Just before he graduated, Coleman elected to drop out and pursue acting and relocated into New York where he was taught with Sanford Meisner.
Coleman’s Broadway debut was in 1961 in the role of “A Call on Kuprin.” TV guest roles followed and the actor put his name on a list of credits acting as character actors. He has noteworthy credits for feature films which comprise “The Towering Inferno,” “WarGames,” “The Muppets Take Manhattan,” “Dragnet” and “You’ve Got Mail.” At the beginning of the millennium, he appeared as a renowned attorney in the CBS show “The Guardian,” which was on for three seasons. Other credits from the past include a part as the father of Kevin Costner’s character on “Yellowstone” and an appearance in Warren Beatty’s film “Rules Don’t Apply.”
Coleman was divorced and married twice The first time was with Ann Courtney Harrell from 1957 until 1959, and later and finally to Jean Hale from 1961 to 1984. His children are his survivors, Meghan, Kelly, Randy and Quincy Coleman; and his grandchildren, Hale and Gabe Torrance, Luie Freundl and Kai and Coleman Biancaniello.
