¡Hola, mi gente! Today, we gather to celebrate and remember the legendary Dabney Coleman, an Emmy-winning actor whose remarkable talent brightened both the silver and small screens for over six decades. From the iconic 1980 comedy "9 to 5" to his compelling roles in television, Dabney's legacy is as vibrant as ever. Sadly, he passed away at his home in Santa Monica, Calif., at the age of 92.
Quincy Coleman, his hija, shared with Variety, "My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire, and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity.” She added that he lived his final act with "elegance, excellence, and mastery" and described him as "a teacher, a hero, and a king."
Since his early days as a stage actor, Dabney's career trajectory saw a meteoric rise to prominence in the '80s. Who can forget his unforgettable portrayal of Franklin Hart, Jr., the boss everyone loved to hate in “9 to 5”? Alongside powerhouses like Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, and Dolly Parton, he played a part in creating one of cinema's greatest revenges against the infamous misogynistic boss.
Deftly continuing his career trajectory, Dabney landed a string of roles that stood out, like playing a bigoted soap opera director in the critically acclaimed "Tootsie," directed by Sydney Pollack. Their collaboration brought to life some of cinema’s most memorable moments. Dabney also shone brightly in movies like “The Beverly Hillbillies” and “Clifford,” and voiced the stern Principal Prickly in the beloved '90s animated series “Recess.”
Not only was Dabney a gifted comedic actor, but his dramatic chops were equally recognized. He clinched an Emmy for his stunning performance in the 1987 TV film “Sworn to Silence,” and was part of the celebrated ensemble cast in HBO’s “Boardwalk Empire,” which earned him Screen Actors Guild awards in 2011 and 2012. His versatility knew no bounds, pushing the envelope from drama to comedy and everything in between.
Born on January 3, 1932, in Austin, Texas, life threw its challenges early at Dabney—losing his father when he was just cuatro años. Raised by his mother, he attended the Virginia Military Institute before serving in the Army and briefly studying law at the University of Texas. However, the call of acting was too strong to resist, leading him to the iconic New York where he was trained by Sanford Meisner.
Dabney's Broadway debut in 1961 marked the beginning of a series of impressive performances that would define his career. Over the years, he dazzled us in films like "The Towering Inferno," "WarGames," "The Muppets Take Manhattan," "Dragnet," and "You’ve Got Mail," showcasing his unparalleled range and charisma.
As we reflect on his remarkable journey, it’s clear Dabney Coleman was not just an actor but an icon that left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. His contributions transcended the roles he played, touching lives with his unique blend of humor, talent, and warmth. He leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire and entertain for generations to come. Dabney’s spirit, as described by his daughter, remains eternal—a “goddamn, good looking man” whose brilliance we were lucky to witness. ¡Qué en paz descanse, Dabney Coleman, una verdadera leyenda!