Coleman — known for his bad-guy roles in movies including ‘9 to 5’ and ‘Tootsie’ — starred as Costner’s character’s father, John Dutton Sr., in a ‘Yellowstone’ flashback scene
Kevin Costner is paying his respects to his late Yellowstone costar Dabney Coleman.
Following Coleman’s death at age 92 on May 16, Costner, 69, shared a post on his Instagram Stories to reflect on the actor’s brief stint on Yellowstone.
“One of the most heart wrenching scenes I’ve been a part of,” Costner wrote, sharing stills from his memorable flashback scene with Coleman. “What an honor to have gotten to work with Dabney Coleman. May he rest in peace.”
Although Coleman only appeared in one 2019 episode of the neo-Western series, in which he guest-starred as Costner’s character’s father, John Dutton Sr., his role was an important one. His impactful scene showed the relationship between father and son, and also revealed why Costner’s character was so reluctant to sell off any of his land in Montana.
Yellowstone showrunner Taylor Sheridan also recently reflected on Coleman’s death and legacy, telling Deadline that he was influential as an actor and artist.
“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),” Sheridan told the outlet. “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,” Sheridan added.
Coleman’s daughter Quincy Coleman previously confirmed in a statement to PEOPLE that the actor died on May 16 at his home in Santa Monica, Calif.
“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,” Quincy said. “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,” she added.
Dabney was best known for his bad-guy and hard-nosed roles in movies including 9 to 5, Tootsie and You’ve Got Mail and TV shows including Buffalo Bill and Boardwalk Empire. Following his death, many other celebs have reflected on his long career, including Lily Tomlin and Morgan Fairchild.
“We just loved him,” Tomlin wrote on X (formerly Twitter), sharing photos of the pair on the set of 9 to 5.
Dabney is survived by his sister Beverly Coleman McCall; his children Meghan, Kelly, Randy and Quincy Coleman; and his grandchildren Hale and Gabe Torrance, Luie Freundl, and Kai and Coleman Biancaniello.
