A veteran character actor with a knack for playing lovable curmudgeons and authority figures, he's best known for his iconic roles in TV sitcoms and films of the 70s and 80s.
Dabney Coleman is widely recognized for his iconic portrayal of egomaniacal and unlikeable characters in comedic roles, leaving a lasting impact on the film and television industry. With a career spanning over five decades, he has appeared in more than 175 films and television programs, showcasing his remarkable range in both comedic and dramatic performances.
Born on January 3, 1932, in Austin, Texas, Coleman was the youngest of four children to Randolph and Mary Johns Coleman. After his father's untimely death from pneumonia when Coleman was just four years old, his mother raised him and his siblings in Corpus Christi, Texas. During his high school years, Coleman excelled at tennis, becoming a nationally ranked junior tennis player. He attended Virginia Military Institute for two years, followed by another two years at the University of Texas at Austin.
Coleman was drafted into the United States Army in 1953 and served in West Germany for two years. During his service, he played tennis across Europe for the Army and local towns, further honing his skills. After being discharged, he flunked out of law school and was inspired by an encounter with actor Zachary Scott to pursue a career in acting.
Coleman's breakthrough role came with his portrayal of Merle Jeeter on the sitcom Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976-1977). This was followed by his iconic roles in the hit films 9 to 5 (1980), On Golden Pond (1981), Tootsie (1982), WarGames (1983), and Cloak & Dagger (1984). He continued to impress audiences with his performances in You've Got Mail (1998) and his memorable appearance on Yellowstone (2019) in his final role.
Coleman's outstanding performances earned him one Primetime Emmy Award from six nominations and one Golden Globe Award from three nominations.
In addition to his live-action performances, Coleman is well-known for his voice acting credits, particularly as Principal Peter Prickly in the animated series Recess (1997-2001) and several movies based on the series.
Dabney Coleman's remarkable career has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. With his unique ability to bring unlikeable characters to life, he has inspired generations of actors and comedians. His contributions to film and television have cemented his place as a comedy legend, and his legacy will continue to entertain and inspire audiences for years to come.
95 Years Old
A legendary actor, director, and musician who brought grit and cool to the big screen, iconic for his tough-guy roles in Westerns and cop dramas.
Born in 1925
A legendary actor who brought laughter and tears to audiences with his iconic roles in films like "Some Like It Hot" and "Days of Wine and Roses", earning him numerous Academy Award nominations.
Born in 1920
A talented actor who brought humor and charm to a wide range of film roles, from dramatic leads to comedic supporting characters, earning multiple Academy Award nominations.
Born in 1920
A legendary comedic actor, director, and producer, best known for his iconic roles in TV sitcoms, particularly as Felix Unger in "The Odd Couple".
Born in 1925
A legendary actor, philanthropist, and entrepreneur who founded a food company that donates all profits to charity, starring in iconic films like "Butch Cassidy" and "The Sting".
89 Years Old
Academy Award-winning actor, director, and producer known for iconic roles in "Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid" and "All the President's Men", as well as founding the Sundance Film Festival.
88 Years Old
Academy Award-winning actor and director, renowned for iconic roles in films like "The Graduate" and "Rain Man", showcasing versatility and depth in his performances.
85 Years Old
Iconic actor and director renowned for intense, gritty performances in films like "The Godfather" and "Scarface", leaving an indelible mark on the cinematic landscape.
