Dabney Coleman's Death Certificate Reveals Official Cause Of Death

Hollywood legend Dabney Coleman's death certificate has finally been released, revealing the official cause of death of the 92-year-old actor.

Coleman passed away on Thursday, May 18. His death was confirmed by his daughter, Quincy, who stated that he died "peacefully and exquisitely."

Dabney Coleman's Death Certificate

According to the document obtained by The Blast, Coleman died from cardiopulmonary arrest [CPA], which, according to  the National Institute of Health, is the "cessation of effective ventilation and circulation."  CPA is also more commonly known as cardiac arrest or circulatory arrest.

Coleman's death certificate also showed the actor had other underlying issues, namely "dysphagia," a medical term for difficulty swallowing, and "chronic systolic congestive heart failure."

He passed away on Thursday at his Santa Monica home, according to his daughter, Quincy, who conveyed the news to the Associated Press, stating he "took his last earthly breath peacefully and exquisitely."

Who Was Dabney Coleman?

Coleman was renowned for his signature mustachioed look and his knack for playing smarmy villains, such as his character in "9 to 5."

Born in 1932 in Austin, Texas, Coleman attended the Virginia Military Academy for two years, the University of Texas for another two, and served in the Army for two more.

After serving in the Army, he met Zachary Scott, a fellow Austin native and star of films like "Mildred Pierce" who he described as "the most dynamic person I've ever met."

According to NPR, Coleman told AP in 1984 how Scott encouraged him to become an actor.

"He convinced me I should become an actor, and I literally left the next day to study in New York," Coleman noted at the time. "He didn't think that was too wise, but I made my decision."

Dabney Coleman's Career On The Silver Screen

Coleman's early roles included TV shows like "Ben Casey," "Dr. Kildare," "The Outer Limits," "Bonanza," "The Mod Squad," and the film "The Towering Inferno."

However, for twenty years, Coleman toiled in film and television, showcasing his talent without widespread recognition.

His breakthrough came in 1976 with his role as the corrupt mayor of Fernwood in "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," a satirical soap opera so outrageous that no network initially wanted to air it.

The show ended up becoming a cult classic, with Coleman's portrayal of Mayor Merle Jeeter resonating with audiences.

Dabney Coleman's Awards

Coleman left his mark on numerous notable films. He played a computer scientist in "War Games," Tom Hanks' father in "You've Got Mail," and a firefighting official in "The Towering Inferno."

His performance in "The Slap Maxwell Story" earned him a Golden Globe, and he won an Emmy for Best Supporting Actor in the TV legal drama "Sworn to Silence" (1987).

More recently, he appeared in "Ray Donovan" and had a recurring role in "Boardwalk Empire," which earned him two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

In the 1980 comedy "9 to 5," Coleman memorably portrayed the "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" boss who tormented his female employees until they eventually turned the tables on him. He starred alongside fellow Hollywood legends Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton.

Kevin Costner And Others Pay Tribute To The Late Legend

Kevin Costner, who starred alongside Coleman in the hit series "Yellowstone," noted how heartbroken he was by the news of his passing.

On X (formerly Twitter), Costner posted a screenshot of a scene he shared with Coleman. He captioned it: "One of the most heart-wrenching scenes I’ve been a part of. What an honor to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace."

Coleman's daughter, Quincy honored her dad, stating: "My father crafted his time here on earth with a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire with passion, desire, and humor that tickled the funny bone of humanity."

Comedian Ben Stiller also paid tribute to the famed star on X (formerly Twitter), writing: "The great Dabney Coleman literally created, or defined, really — in a uniquely singular way — an archetype as a character actor. He was so good at what he did it's hard to imagine movies and television of the last 40 years without him."