Dabney Coleman, known for his role as the villainous boss in "9 to 5," dies at 92

By M Muzamil Shami

The esteemed character actor was also known for his roles in "WarGames," "Tootsie," "Boardwalk Empire," and "Yellowstone."

Dabney Coleman, the Emmy-winning character actor renowned for his role as the villainous boss in the 1980 film 9 to 5, passed away on Thursday at his home in Santa Monica, California. He was 92 years old.

His daughter, Quincy Coleman, confirmed the news in a statement to Entertainment Weekly on Friday. "My father lived his life with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a spirit full of passion, desire, and humor that brought joy to many," she said. "In his final moments, he demonstrated the same elegance, excellence, and mastery that defined his career. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman remains a gift and blessing, his spirit enduring through his work, loved ones, and legacy... eternally."

       Dabney Coleman as Franklin Hart Jr. in '9 to 5'. PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM CORP./COURTESY OF EVERETT

Coleman's acting career spanned nearly seven decades, beginning with roles on TV shows like The Outer Limits, The Fugitive, and The Alfred Hitchcock Hour in the 1960s. By the time he portrayed the sexist boss Franklin Hart Jr. in 9 to 5 — holding his own against iconic actresses Lily Tomlin, Dolly Parton, and Jane Fonda — he had already built a substantial resume featuring numerous shows and films.

Following the success of 9 to 5, Coleman became a staple in timeless movies and TV shows. He starred in the short-lived, Emmy-nominated series Buffalo Bill and took on prominent roles in films such as On Golden Pond, Tootsie, WarGames, The Muppets Take Manhattan, You've Got Mail, and The Beverly Hillbillies, where he reunited with his 9 to 5 co-stars Tomlin and Parton.

       Dolly Parton, Marian Mercer, and Dabney Coleman in '9 to 5'.PHOTO: 20TH CENTURY FOX FILM CORP./COURTESY OF EVERETT

Coleman won an Emmy for his supporting role in the TV film Sworn to Silence. He received another five nominations, including two for his lead role in Buffalo Bill and one for his portrayal of the title character in The Slap Maxwell Story, which also earned him a Golden Globe.

Coleman, who continued acting until 2019, transitioned seamlessly between serious and comedic roles. He could play the sleazy boss of Charles Grodin in the absurd Clifford, while also commanding a powerful presence as Boardwalk Empire's Commodore Louis Kaestner.

A Texas native, Coleman was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 2014. His final acting appearance was in a 2019 episode of Yellowstone, where he portrayed the dying father of Kevin Costner's character, John Dutton.

"Nearly 20 years ago, I worked with Dabney when I was just starting out," recounted Yellowstone creator Taylor Sheridan about casting Dabney. "He's a Texas guy, incredibly talented and generous, and I was deeply impressed by both his skill and his kindness to a young guest star like me."

Coleman is survived by his children, Meghan, Kelly, Randy, and Quincy Coleman, as well as his grandchildren, Hale and Gabe Torrance, Luie Freundl, and Kai and Coleman Biancaniello.