Dabney Coleman

Dabney Coleman Profile Photo

Characters played by Dabney Coleman

Burton Fallin — The Guardian (2001)

Burton Fallin is Nick Fallin's father and boss. His relationship with Nick is strained after Nick is convicted of drug use and required to complete community service as a guardian ad litem. Their difficult personal and professional relationship is one of the series' continuing storylines.

Steve — The Fugitive (1963)

Casual acquaintance or minor character in community settings.

Merle Jeeter — Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman (1976)

Serves as the mayor of Fernwood. He later marries Wanda Rittenhouse, a fellow psychiatric ward patient of Mary's.

Capt. Mitchell Ross — The Invaders (1967)

A USAF officer who initially appears skeptical but later confirms Vincent's claims by shooting an alien that incinerates before him, subsequently ordering a background check on an officer Vincent suspected was an alien.

Dr. Beechwood — Stuart Little (1999)

Veterinarian/Doctor, minor medical or advisory role.

Nelson Fox — You've Got Mail (1998)

Joe Fox’s father who dismisses concerns about negative publicity, insisting it will fade once the new store opens.

Chief Quimby — Inspector Gadget (1999)

The head of the Riverton Police Department who initially marginalizes John due to his clumsiness but eventually recognizes his genuine contributions and officially salutes him as a sworn officer.

McKittrick — WarGames (1983)

NORAD systems director advocating for automated missile control after human hesitation.

Principal Peter Prickly — Recess: School's Out (2001)

The well-meaning but sometimes misguided school principal. He evolves from a bureaucratic figure to a key adult ally, joining the children against external threats and demonstrating adaptability and care during the fifth-grade transition.

Principal Prickley (voice) — Recess: All Growed Down (2003)

Well-meaning school principal balancing bureaucratic duties with genuine care for students.

Milburn Drysdale — The Beverly Hillbillies (1993)

The cautious CEO of the Commerce Bank where Jed deposits his newfound wealth. He initially dispatches Jane to monitor the Clampetts, briefly dismisses and rehires her, and attempts to arrange a romantic connection between his son Morgan and Elly May.

Cooper — The Man with One Red Shoe (1985)

The CIA deputy director who orchestrates a drug-smuggling scandal to force Director Ross's resignation and secure his own promotion. He mistakenly targets Richard after a rumor leak, orders him killed, and personally attempts assassination before being arrested and exposed by Maddy's testimony.

Career Overview

Dabney Coleman has 126 screen credits in a career dating back to 1944. Their work spans 8 cinematic universes — most prominently Recess Collection with 4 titles. Signature works include The Guardian, Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman, WarGames. Explore the interactive character relationship maps on each title page to trace how their roles connect across franchises.

Personal Facts

Known For
Acting
Gender
male
Known Credits
126
Birth Date
1932-01-03
Birth Place
Austin, Texas, USA

Known For

Associated Universes

Universe traveler — spans 8 universes

Frequent Collaborators

Credits

Content sources

Related entry on Wikidata (Q446717), public domain (CC0).