Beloved Actor Dabney Coleman Passes Away at 92

9 to 5 Star Dabney Coleman Dead

Dabney Coleman Angela Weiss/Getty Images

Veteran actor Dabney Coleman, who was 92 years old, has passed away.

His daughter, singer Quincy Coleman, shared the news in a statement to The Hollywood Reporter on Friday, May 17. She described her father as someone who lived life with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a great sense of humor that touched the hearts of many. Quincy also mentioned how he faced the end of his life with grace, skill, and wisdom. Dabney Coleman was not just an actor, but also a mentor, a role model, and a beloved figure whose spirit will continue to inspire others through his work, his loved ones, and his legacy.

The news of his passing was confirmed shortly after it was initially reported by Extra. Coleman’s family friend, Alison Martino, took to social media on Thursday, May 16 to pay tribute to the late actor.

In a series of posts, Martino shared photos of her with Coleman over the years. The first photo was captioned “Dabney 2007” and showed the two friends hugging. The second image was from 2014, and the final picture in her tribute was taken at a restaurant in 2022.

The actor first appeared in Hollywood during the 1960s, but it was his role as Franklin M. Hart, Jr. in 9 to 5 that really put him on the map. He starred alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton in this memorable film. Throughout his career, he has also appeared in other well-known movies and TV shows like The Beverly Hillbillies, You’ve Got Mail, Stuart Little, Boardwalk Empire, Ray Donovan, and NCIS. In November 2014, he was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

In one episode of Yellowstone, Coleman portrayed the character of John Dutton Jr., the father of Kevin Costner’s character, John Dutton. The emotional scene they shared in the season 2 finale, titled “Sins of the Father,” depicted a touching moment between a father and his son as the father faced his final moments.

9 to 5 Star Dabney Coleman Dead 3

Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Dabney Coleman. 20th Century Fox Film Corp.

The late star was personally selected by Yellowstone cocreator Taylor Sheridan for the role.

“When that happened, I’d written it, but I believe I was prepping a movie in New Mexico, and I think he reached out and said he would be really interested in doing something. I had worked with Dabney many, many years ago, almost 20 years ago, as one of the young pups,” Sheridan shared with Deadline in 2019. “He’s a Texas guy and was such a gifted, giving actor. I was really struck by how good he was and how kind he was to this kid who was guest starring on his deal.”

He mentioned that he has hired many people who were supportive of him when he was starting out as a young actor. One of them was Buck Taylor, who was in the first project he ever worked on. He also mentioned that he cast Taylor in Yellowstone. He feels that the show has a special quality that makes it easy to bring in friends and family to work on it.

Editor's P/S:

The passing of Dabney Coleman is a profound loss for the entertainment industry. His exceptional talent and unforgettable performances have left an enduring mark on countless fans. From his iconic role in "9 to 5" to his poignant appearance in "Yellowstone," Coleman consistently brought depth and authenticity to every character he portrayed. His ability to evoke both laughter and tears is a testament to his remarkable skill as an actor.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Coleman was also a beloved figure in Hollywood, known for his generosity and mentorship of younger actors. His legacy extends far beyond the screen, inspiring countless others to pursue their dreams and strive for excellence. Coleman's passing is a reminder of the transformative power of entertainment and the lasting impact that great artists can have on our lives.