Dabney Coleman, the Emmy-winning actor renowned for his incredible performances in unforgettable films such as “9 to 5,” “Boardwalk Empire,” and “Tootsie,” has left us at the age of 92. Coleman passed away peacefully at his home in Santa Monica on Thursday.
In a heartfelt statement, his daughter Quincy Coleman lovingly described her father as a man who lived his life with curiosity, generosity, and a passionate, humorous spirit that delighted audiences. She said, “As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence, and mastery.”
Quincy continued to praise her father as “a teacher, a hero, and a king” who was a gift and blessing both in life and in death. She believes that his spirit will shine through his works, his loved ones, and his everlasting legacy.
Dabney Coleman’s career spanned over six decades, during which he appeared in more than 60 films and numerous TV projects. He was widely recognized for his remarkable ability to portray unsympathetic characters, showcasing his versatility and talent as an actor. One of his most memorable roles was Franklin Hart Jr., the sexist and egotistical boss in the 1980 hit “9 to 5.” His portrayal of this character was hailed as “smarmy mustachioed perfection” by Rolling Stone in 2015.
Reflecting on his experience working with Dolly Parton, Lily Tomlin, and Jane Fonda in “9 to 5,” Coleman shared in a 2010 interview, “The girls were so supportive of me, and included me in everything. They were on a whole different level than I was at the time, but they were very sensitive about that, and made sure that I was included in every publicity shot and tour. All three of them insisted, ‘Where’s Dabney? Get him in here!’”