Biography
Dabney Wharton Coleman (born January 3, 1932) is an American actor. He was born in Austin, Texas.
Coleman entered the Virginia Military Institute in 1949, but wound up studying law at the University of Texas before turning to acting.
Though a capable character actor with a wide range, Coleman is usually typecast as a smarmy, selfish, patronizing, self-absorbed bigot. His fate in these types of roles was cemented with his performances in roles such as Franklin Hart, Jr. in 1980's Nine to Five, director Ron Carlisle in 1982's Tootsie and the earnest John McKittrick in 1983's WarGames.
Coleman has played less severe roles, however, such as Bill Ray in 1981's On Golden Pond and as Nelson Fox in 1998's You've Got Mail.
Though he has starred in a few lead roles (including the TV sitcoms The 'Slap' Maxwell Story and Buffalo Bill and the movie Short Time) he is actively sought after for strong supporting roles.
Coleman has been married twice. He was married to Ann Courtney Harrell from 1957 to 1959. He had three children with actress Jean Hale, whom he was married to from 1961 to 1983.
His daughter, Quincy, is a recording artist whose first album, "Also Known as Mary", was released in September of 2003.
Partial filmography
The Guardian (2001 - 2004 in TV series) as Burton Fallin
You've Got Mail (1998)
My Date with the President's Daughter (1998)
The Beverly Hillbillies (1993) as Milburn Drysdale
Amos & Andrew (1993)
Short Time (1990)
Dragnet (1987) as Jerry Caesar
Cloak & Dagger (1984) as Jack Flack/Hal Osborne
WarGames (1983) as Dr. John McKittrick
On Golden Pond (1981) as Bill Ray
Black Fist (1975)
Sack Lunch (1997)
