Dabney Coleman was a celebrated American actor who left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry with his exceptional talent and versatility.
He was born in Austin, Texas on 3rd January 1932. When it came to his talent and versatility displayed throughout his work from childhood up until death with each role played. Over sixty years, he received many praises for what he did including a Primetime Emmy Award and a Golden Globe Award.
| Name | Dabney Wharton Coleman |
| Born | January 3, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | Austin, Texas, U.S. |
| Died | May 16, 2024 (aged 92) |
| Place of Death | Santa Monica, California, U.S. |
| Occupation | Actor |
| Years Active | 1961–2019 |
| Wife | Ann Courtney Harrell (married- 1957; divorce- 1959) |
| Jean Hale (married- 1961; divorced- 1984) | |
| Children | 4 (daughter Kelly, son Randy, daughter Quincy with Jean Hale, and daughter Meghan) |
| Military Service | Allegiance: United States, Service/branch: United States Army, Years of service: 1953–1955 |
| Net Worth | $ 10 Million |
Early Life and Education
Coleman was raised in Corpus Christi, Texas, by his mother, Mary, after his father, Melvin, passed away when he was just four years old. He attended the Virginia Military Institute from 1949 to 1951 before transferring to the University of Texas at Austin, where he majored in business. However, his life took a different turn when he was drafted into the United States Army in 1953, serving two years in Germany with the Special Services Division.
Acting Career
After his military service, Coleman discovered his passion for acting and moved to New York City in 1958 to study at the prestigious Neighborhood Playhouse School of the Theatre. His Broadway debut came in 1961 with the short-lived play “A Call on Kuprin,” but it was his move to Hollywood in 1962 that truly kickstarted his acting career.
Over the years, Coleman established himself as a versatile character actor, seamlessly transitioning between comedic and dramatic roles. He gained widespread recognition in 1980 for his portrayal of the despicable, sexist boss Franklin Hart Jr. in the hit film “9 to 5,” starring alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton.
This role cemented his reputation as the “guy you love to hate,” and he continued to excel in similar roles, such as the arrogant soap opera director in “Tootsie” (1982) and the con-artist Broadway producer in “The Muppets Take Manhattan” (1984).
Coleman’s talent wasn’t limited to the big screen; he also made a significant impact on television. He earned critical acclaim and Emmy nominations for his lead roles in the sitcoms “Buffalo Bill” (1983-1984) and “The ‘Slap’ Maxwell Story” (1987-1988), where he played unscrupulous talk show hosts and sportswriters, respectively. Additionally, he lent his voice to the beloved animated series “Recess” (1997-2001), voicing the character of Principal Prickly.
Personal Life and Net Worth
In his personal life, Coleman was married twice. His first marriage to Ann Courtney Harrell lasted from 1957 to 1959, and his second marriage to Jean Hale spanned from 1961 to 1984. He had four children: Kelly, Randy, Quincy, and Meghan.
Coleman was an avid tennis player and participated in various celebrity and charity tournaments. He was also known for his passion for environmental conservation, working with fellow actor Bronson Pinchot to educate others on protecting forests nationwide.
It is estimated that Dabney Coleman’s net worth is around 10 million dollars.
On May 16, 2024, the world bid farewell to Dabney Coleman, who passed away at the age of 92 at his home in Santa Monica, California. His daughter, Quincy Coleman, confirmed the news, although the cause of death was not disclosed.
