What Was Dabney Coleman's Net Worth?
Dabney Coleman was an American actor with a net worth of $5 million at the time of his death in 2024. Renowned for his roles in both film and television, Coleman was synonymous with characters exuding arrogance and smugness, often portraying unlikable or unscrupulous authority figures. His acting career began in the late 1950s with various TV shows and stage productions. However, it was in the 1970s that Coleman gained prominence, notably through his roles in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" and "Fernwood Tonight."
In the 1980s, his career continued to flourish with notable TV appearances in "Buffalo Bill" and "The Slap Maxwell Story," earning him a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in 1988.
Coleman's filmography includes memorable roles in the 1980 comedy "9 to 5" alongside Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, and in the 1984 adventure film "Cloak & Dagger." He also delivered standout performances in "Tootsie" (1982), "WarGames" (1983), "On Golden Pond" (1981), and "The Beverly Hillbillies" (1993).
Over his career, Coleman received numerous awards and nominations. He was nominated for two Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor for his role in "The Slap Maxwell Story" and another Emmy for Outstanding Supporting Actor in the TV movie "Sworn to Silence."
Coleman's career spanned over six decades. He made guest appearances in popular TV series such as "Boardwalk Empire," "The Guardian," and "Ray Donovan." Dabney Coleman died of cardiac arrest on May 16, 2024, at the age of 92.
Early Life
Dabney Coleman was born on January 3, 1932, in Austin, Texas. He attended the Virginia Military Institute and the University of Texas at Austin. Drafted into the United States Army in 1953, he served in Europe before beginning his acting career.
Career
After returning from military service, Coleman trained with Sanford Meisner at the Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theater in New York City from 1958 to 1960. He went on to become a prolific character actor, appearing in over 60 films and TV programs throughout his career.
Coleman’s first role came in 1961, appearing in an episode of "Naked City." He featured in episodes of "The Outer Limits" and "The Alfred Hitchcock Hour" in 1964, and "The Fugitive" from 1964 to 1966. That year, he made his film debut in "The Slender Thread" and starred in "The Property is Condemned." From 1966 to 1967, he played Dr. Leon Bessemer in "That Girl."
In 1976, Dabney's notable TV role in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman" garnered significant attention. He played Merle Jeeter in 148 episodes from 1976 to 1977. During this period, he also appeared in films like "Midway," "Rolling Thunder," and "Viva Knievel!"
Dabney's breakout in films came with the 1980 comedy "9 to 5," playing the antagonist Franklin Hart, Jr. In 1982, he played a soap opera director in "Tootsie," and continued with diverse roles in films such as "On Golden Pond" and "WarGames." In 1983, he starred in the TV series "Buffalo Bill," and in 1987, he received an Emmy Award for his role in "Sworn to Silence."
(Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic)
The 1990s saw Coleman in films like "Meet the Applegates," "The Beverly Hillbillies," and "You've Got Mail." He voiced Principal Peter Prickly in the animated show "Recess" and starred as Burton Fallin in "The Guardian." In 2010, he played Commodore Louis Kaestner in "Boardwalk Empire," adding to his extensive and varied body of work.
Personal Life & Death
Coleman was married twice, first to Ann Courtney from 1957 to 1959, and then to Jean Hale from 1961 to 1984. They had three children – Kelly, Randy, and Quincy. He was an avid tennis player, winning numerous celebrity and charity tournaments, often playing at the Riviera Country Club.
Dabney Coleman passed away on May 16, 2024, at the age of 92.
Real Estate
In September 1986, Dabney paid $595,000 for a home in LA's Brentwood neighborhood. He listed it for rent in 2013 and later for sale in 2023 for $4.5 million. Ultimately, he remained in this home until his death.
