Dabney Coleman was a remarkable actor of his time and was best known for playing arrogant and unlikeable characters with a comedic twist that fans seemed to love a lot.
Working for over six decades in the industry, he made his mark in both films and television, showing people what a big talent he was. From iconic movies like Tootsie and hit TV shows like Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Coleman brought something special to the screen, and that’s what fans loved about him.
His last role was in Yellowstone, released in 2019, following which he retired from the industry before passing away in 2024 at the age of 92.
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Early Life
Dabney Wharton Coleman was born on 3rd January 1932, in Austin, Texas, where he was raised by his parents, Melvin Randolph and Mary Wharton, alongside his three older siblings. He was only four years old when his father died, leaving his mother to raise them alone, but despite the challenges, she ensured to provide them with the best.
Growing up in a supportive family, he attended the Virginia Military Institute and later studied law at the University of Texas, where he struggled both academically and socially.
He joined the U.S. Army’s Special Services Division for two years and was posted in Germany before he changed his mind and returned to pursue an acting career.
Beginning Of Career
Coleman’s acting career began in the 1960s, when he started appearing in small roles in films and television shows like The Slender Thread and That Girl, gaining experience that would help him later in the field.
He started getting more noticeable roles in the 1970s, when he was cast in the soap opera parody Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, and built a strong presence on TV.
Shot To Fame
Dabney Coleman shot to fame in the 1980s with a series of hit movies and leading TV roles, including his iconic role in 9 to 5 alongside Jane Fonda, Dolly Parton, and Lily Tomlin.
Other successful projects he appeared in include Tootsie, WarGames, and Buffalo Bill, which helped him earn a Golden Globe Award as well.
Relationship
Dabney Coleman’s personal life was as eventful as his professional one. He married twice, with his first wife being Ann Courtney Harrell, with whom he tied the knot in 1957 and divorced in 1959.
He later married actress Jean Hale in 1961 but divorced her in 1983, following which he didn’t marry again. He had four children, including Quincy, Randy, Kelly, and Meghan, from his two marriages, all of them grown up now.
Major Source of Income and Net Worth
Coleman’s primary income source was his long and successful acting career that helped him build a big fortune of $10 million, as recorded at the time of his death.
From television series to blockbuster films, he worked for decades and was consistent with his projects, adapting to various roles offered to him. He earned a significant fortune through years of hard work with iconic performances that people remember even today.
