Dabney Coleman, the iconic character actor known for his roles as smarmy villains like the chauvinist boss in “9 to 5” and the unpleasant TV director in “Tootsie,” has passed away at the age of 92.

His daughter, Quincy Coleman, confirmed his death on Thursday at his residence in Santa Monica, as reported by The Associated Press. She mentioned that he "peacefully and gracefully took his last breath."

Ben Stiller paid tribute to Coleman's legacy, stating, "The great Dabney Coleman truly defined an archetype as a character actor in a uniquely exceptional way. His talent was so immense that it's difficult to envision movies and television over the past four decades without him."

For a span of twenty years, Dabney Coleman worked in both movies and TV shows, showcasing his talent as a skilled but often overlooked performer. However, his career trajectory took a significant turn in 1976 when he landed the role of the incorrigibly corrupt mayor of Fernwood in the satirical soap opera "Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman," a show so outrageous that no network initially picked it up.

Producer Norman Lear eventually succeeded in syndicating the show, starring Louise Lasser as the lead character. It quickly gained a cult following, with Coleman's portrayal of Mayor Merle Jeeter becoming a standout. His comedic timing and deadpan delivery caught the attention of industry insiders, propelling him into the spotlight.

Standing at six feet tall with a distinctive black mustache, Coleman left his mark in a variety of popular films. He played roles such as a stressed-out computer scientist in "War Games," Tom Hanks' father in "You've Got Mail," and a firefighting official in "The Towering Inferno."

Dabney Coleman's accolades include a Golden Globe for his role in "The Slap Maxwell Story" and an Emmy Award for Best Supporting Actor in Peter Levin's 1987 legal drama "Sworn to Silence." His recent work includes appearances in "Ray Donovan" and a recurring role on "Boardwalk Empire," which earned him two Screen Actors Guild Awards.

Dabney Coleman made his mark in several iconic roles across film and television. In the 1980 hit "9 to 5," he portrayed the "sexist, egotistical, lying, hypocritical bigot" boss who faced retaliation from his female employees played by Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton.

In "On Golden Pond" (1981), Coleman played a caring and polite boyfriend to Fonda's character, engaging in a memorable scene with her father portrayed by Henry Fonda. His role as the obnoxious director in "Tootsie" opposite Dustin Hoffman further showcased his versatility.

Coleman's filmography also includes notable works such as "North Dallas Forty," "Cloak and Dagger," "Dragnet," "Meet the Applegates," "Inspector Gadget," and "Stuart Little." He reunited with Hoffman in "Moonlight Mile" and lent his voice to Principal Prickly in the Disney animated series "Recess."

While his film roles garnered praise, Coleman faced mixed success on television. Shows like "Buffalo Bill" and "The Slap Maxwell Story" showcased his talent but struggled to find broad appeal. He found greater success in co-starring roles, such as in "The Guardian" and as Principal Prickly in "Recess."

Despite his on-screen bravado, Coleman was reserved in real life, attributing his shyness to his childhood experiences. As he aged, he became known for playing pompous authority figures, as seen in "My Date With the President's Daughter."

Born in 1932 in Austin, Texas, Coleman's journey to acting began after meeting Zachry Scott, which led him to pursue a career in New York. His early credits spanned TV shows like "Ben Casey," "Dr. Kildare," and appearances on Broadway in "A Call on Kuprin."

Coleman is survived by four children and several grandchildren. His daughter Quincy Coleman remembered him as a man of curiosity, generosity, and humor, leaving a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.