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How big of a movie star was Dabney Coleman?

posted 3 years ago by TMC-4 (19445)
18 replies | jump to latest

https://www.reddit.com/r/movies/comments/k6b2l8/how_big_of_a_movie_star_was_dabney_coleman/

He seems kind of forgotten these days despite starring in many big hits in the 80's and early 90's. WarGames, On Golden Pond, 9 to 5, Tootsie, etc.

He's also appeared in 3 movies with Tom Hanks: The Man With One Red Shoe, Dragnet, You've Got Mail

Was he a legit above-the-title star or was he like Steve Guttenberg or Patrick Wilson where he was usually cast opposite a more famous co-star or in an ensemble? Or is he like Craig T. Nelson where is he a primarily a TV actor who appears in a lot of movies?

[–] brux (14666) 3 years ago

A minor dude ... what they used to and maybe still do call a character actor.

[–] PaladinNJ (20324) 3 years ago

He's not really a leading man, more of a character actor. Albeit a very versatile and prolific one.

[–] VanHellion (609) 3 years ago

Doctor McKittrick, after careful consideration I have come to the conclusion that your new "defense system" sucks!

[–] rootvegetables (1352) 13 days ago

I don't have to take that, you pig-eyed sack of shit.

[none]

[–] VanHellion (609) 12 days ago

Well... I expected something a little better from you... a man of your education...

[–] rootvegetables (1352) 12 days ago

Just goes to show. Give interesting character actors some interesting dialogue to exchange, and you can craft a memorable scene.

[none]

[–] VanHellion (609) 12 days ago

I couldn't agree more.

"Goddammit, I'd piss on a spark plug if I thought it'd do any good!"

[–] HelpMeRhonda (1155) 3 years ago

Big enough where he played the President in My Date with the President's Daughter.

[–] ebhaynz (3537) 3 years ago

I'd say he was one of the more talented and recognizable character actors. He could easily play a stern authority figure, a "heavy", and very good in comedic roles.

[–] [deleted] 8 months ago

He was usually cast as cantankerous, horrible characters in comedies, because he could make such characters funny. The classic Coleman role would probably be as the horrible boss in "9 to 5". Some of his female employees end up kidnapping him and taking over the office.

[–] Mustang (5247) a month ago

He was always likable no matter what character he played. I wouldn't call him a movie star though, more a supporting actor and a very good one at that.

[–] TheHardSell (641) a month ago

He was TV all the way.