Dabney Coleman, renowned for his portrayal of cantankerous characters, dies at the age of 92.
Dabney Coleman, the actor known for his distinctive mustache and his adeptness at playing roles such as the sexist boss in “9 to 5” and the antagonistic TV director in “Tootsie,” has passed away at the age of 92.
His death was confirmed by NBC News on Thursday.
Ben Stiller wrote on X, stating that Dabney Coleman was instrumental in shaping a particular archetype within character acting, contributing uniquely and significantly to the realm of film and television over the past four decades.
Coleman spent two decades honing his craft in movies and TV shows, often without much recognition. However, his career trajectory changed dramatically in 1976 when he landed the role of the deeply corrupt mayor of Fernwood in “Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman,” a satirical soap opera so outrageous that no network initially dared to air it.
Producer Norman Lear successfully syndicated the show, featuring Louise Lasser as the lead. It quickly gained a devoted following. Coleman’s portrayal of Mayor Merle Jeeter garnered particular acclaim, with his adept comic timing catching the attention of both film and television industry professionals.
Standing at six feet tall with a prominent black mustache, Coleman continued to excel in various prominent film roles. These included a harried computer scientist in “War Games,” Tom Hanks’ on-screen father in “You’ve Got Mail,” and an authoritative figure in firefighting in “The Towering Inferno.”
He earned a Golden Globe for his performance in “The Slap Maxwell Story” and an Emmy Award for best supporting actor in Peter Levin’s 1987 television legal drama “Sworn to Silence.” Among his more recent work, he appeared in “Ray Donovan” and had a recurring role on “Boardwalk Empire,” a role that earned him two Screen Actors Guild Awards.
In the 1980 hit “9 to 5,” he portrayed the antagonistic boss who made life difficult for his underappreciated female employees—Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton—until they decided to take matters into their own hands.
In 1981, he played Jane Fonda’s considerate and polite boyfriend in “On Golden Pond,” where his character seeks permission from her father (portrayed by her real-life father, Henry Fonda) to sleep with her during a visit to her parents’ vacation home.
In “Tootsie,” he played the abrasive director of a daytime soap opera opposite Dustin Hoffman’s character, who disguises himself as a woman to land a role. Coleman’s filmography also includes roles in “North Dallas Forty,” “Cloak and Dagger,” “Dragnet,” “Meet the Applegates,” “Inspector Gadget,” and “Stuart Little.” He reunited with Hoffman in Brad Silberling’s “Moonlight Mile” as a land developer alongside Jake Gyllenhaal.
While Coleman excelled in portraying obnoxious characters on film, his success didn’t always translate to television, where he starred in several network comedies. Although a few gained cult followings, only one lasted beyond two seasons. Some critics questioned whether a series centered around a lead character with no redeeming qualities could capture a large audience.
“Buffalo Bill” (1983-84) serves as a prime example. Dabney Coleman starred as “Buffalo Bill” Bittinger, the slick, conceited, and somewhat clueless host of a daytime talk show. Displeased with his position in the small Buffalo, New York market, he vents his frustrations on those around him. Despite its clever writing and talented ensemble, the show only lasted for two seasons.
Another example was “The Slap Maxwell Story” from 1987, where Coleman portrayed a struggling small-town sportswriter attempting to salvage his failing marriage while pursuing a romantic relationship with a younger reporter.
Further unsuccessful endeavors in finding a wide television audience included shows like “Apple Pie,” “Drexell’s Class” (where he depicted an insider trader), and “Madman of the People,” another series set in a newspaper office where he clashed with his daughter, who was also his boss.
However, he found more success in a supporting role in “The Guardian” (2001-2004), where he played the father of a morally compromised lawyer. Additionally, he lent his voice to the character of Principal Prickly on the Disney animated series “Recess” from 1997-2003.
Sam Rubin- KTLA Journalist and Esteemed Entertainment Anchor Sam Rubin Passes Away at Age 64 – read more