Taylor Sheridan has no problem in bringing mainstream stars and legends to the series format as he has proven over time. No one could’ve foreseen the likes of Kevin Costner, Harrison Ford, and Helen Mirren taking on TV roles in Sheridan’s projects. He was able to bring one legend to do a cameo role in Yellowstone. Dabney Coleman, who passed away on May 16, played the role of John Dutton Sr. in the series.
Sheridan and Coleman have worked together in the series The Guardian in 2003. The creator paid tribute to the late actor, sharing that he learned a lot from the legend and that he was humbled when Coleman agreed to film a role in Yellowstone.
Taylor Sheridan Paid Tribute To Late Actor Dabney Coleman Who Appeared In Yellowstone
Dabney Coleman appeared in the tenth episode of Yellowstone Season 2, titled Sins of the Father. He played the father to Kevin Costner‘s lead character in the series. Taylor Sheridan approached the Hollywood veteran for the role after having a great experience working together with him in 2003. Coleman passed away at the age of 92 on May 16 and Sheridan paid tribute to the actor via Deadline.
Sheridan shared that he had the opportunity to work with the Tootsie actor and gain priceless lessons from him as an artist. He shared that he saw the “humility, grace, and patience” with which Coleman approached things. He told Deadline that he was humbled when the veteran actor agreed to film a rather emotional scene in Yellowstone.
Sheridan concluded that Coleman’s performance was a lesson in “bravery and emotional honesty” and shared that he would be missed and admired. Sheridan shared with Deadline:
I had the opportunity to work with Dabney in 2003, and learned priceless lessons in the power of simplicity as an artist, but more importantly I witnessed Dabney’s humility, grace, and patience (with my 10,000 questions).
I never forgot those lessons, and was humbled myself when he agreed to appear on Yellowstone. His performance was yet another lesson in bravery and emotional honesty. Dabney Coleman is a treasure. He will be missed and admired, always.
Coleman played one of the leads in the CBS series The Guardian for 67 episodes from 2001 to 2004. Sheridan, who was pursuing an acting career at the time, played the role of Tim Dohanic in the 2003 episode, Back in the Ring. The Wind River director returned the favor for all the lessons he was taught after 16 years when he cast him in Yellowstone in 2019.
Another actor in the series, Denim Richards, who plays Colby, was excited to work with Coleman. He shared with Cinemablend, “So, when he [Dabney Coleman] came on to do the season finale, it’s just like add another one to the list.” It was proof that the Taylor Sheridan series easily attracted the top names in Hollywood.
Dabney Coleman’s Daughter Says He Was A Teacher, A Hero, And A King
Dabney Coleman’s passing was confirmed by his daughter Quincy Coleman. In a statement via The Hollywood Reporter, Quincy Coleman remembered her father as “a curious mind, a generous heart, and a soul on fire”. She revealed that her father lived the final days of his life with elegance, excellence, and mastery. She added that her father was a gift and his legacy would continue eternally. She shared (via THR):
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. As he lived, he moved through this final act of his life with elegance, excellence and mastery. A teacher, a hero, and a king, Dabney Coleman is a gift and blessing in life and in death as his spirit will shine through his work, his loved ones and his legacy…eternally.
Coleman’s famous film works included 9 to 5, On Golden Pond, Wargames, and Tootsie. He was also active on television with roles in Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, Recess, and Broadwalk Empire. The Yellowstone role was his final appearance on screen.
Yellowstone is now available for streaming on Peacock.
