American actor Dabney Coleman has died at the age of 92.
Coleman’s death was confirmed by his daughter, Quincy Coleman, in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter: “My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire and humour that tickled the funny bone of humanity.”
“As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy… eternally. And always, ‘A goddamn, good looking man.’”
A cause of death has not been revealed.
Coleman began his acting career on Broadway in 1961 with his debut role in A Call On Krupin. Shortly after, he began amassing small TV roles, followed by larger film roles.
Coleman was best known for roles in films such as 9 To 5 alongside Jane Fonda and Dolly Parton, WarGames alongside Matthew Broderick, Tootsie with Dustin Hoffman and Jessica Lange, Cloak & Dagger, The Muppets Take Manhattan, You’ve Got Mail and Inspector Gadget among others.
On television, Coleman starred in shows like Boardwalk Empire, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Buffalo Bill, The Slap Maxwell Story, Madman of the People and Yellowstone.
In 1987, Coleman won his first and only Golden Globes Award and Primetime Emmy Award respectively for his work in The Slap Maxwell Story and Sworn To Silence.
Following the news of Coleman’s death, several actors have paid tribute to the late great. Kevin Costner, who starred alongside Coleman in Yellowstone, wrote: “What an honor to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace.”
One of the most heart wrenching scenes I’ve been a part of. What an honor to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/dPFUuF6CBI
— Kevin Costner & MW (@modernwest) May 18, 2024
Ben Stiller wrote: “The great Dabney Coleman literally created, or defined, really – in a uniquely singular way – an archetype as a character actor. He was so good at what he did it’s hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him.”
The great Dabney Coleman literally created, or defined, really – in a uniquely singular way — an archetype as a character actor. He was so good at what he did it’s hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him. Xxx
— Ben Stiller (@BenStiller) May 17, 2024
See more tributes below.
Dabney Coleman, ‘9 to 5’ Star Who Made a Career Out of Playing Jerks, Dies at 92
I’ve played a few jerks in my day, but this fellow made high art out of being an A #1 cad. Safe travels, Dabney! https://t.co/f4ptnCRPFi
— Bruce Campbell (@GroovyBruce) May 18, 2024
RIP to the late great Dabney Coleman
A great, great actor and a wonderful man .— John Cusack (@johncusack) May 19, 2024
We're saddened by the passing of the Dabney Coleman, a legendary actor and member of the Yellowstone family.
Posted by Yellowstone on Saturday, May 18, 2024
Dabney Coleman enjoys playing an egotistical chauvinist #rip
Posted by David Letterman on Friday, May 17, 2024