Marilyn Coleman
Born: 1934-03-23 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Died: 2013-06-25
Known For: Acting
Biography
Marilyn B. Coleman was a writer, a singer, and an award-winning actress on Broadway, on television, and in film. She was born to the late Estella and Fred Bonaparte in Philadelphia. She moved to Los Angeles in 1966 and began a career that spanned more than 45 years on stage, film and television. Coleman started her acting career landing roles in films, such as the drama "Looking For Mr. Goodbar" (1977) with Diane Keaton, the comedic adaptation "Which Way Is Up?" (1977) with Richard Pryor and the crime flick "Remember My Name" (1978) with Geraldine Chaplin. She also appeared in the TV movie "Nowhere to Run" (NBC, 1977-78). She also was featured in the miniseries "A Woman Called Moses" (1978-79). She worked in television in her early acting career as well, including a part on "Good Times" (CBS, 1973-79). Her career progressed to film, including a role in the Season Hubley drama "Vice Squad" (1982). She also starred in the TV movies "Aunt Mary" (1979-1980), "The Best Little Girl in the World" (ABC, 1980-81) and "Something So Right" (CBS, 1982-83). Coleman focused on film in more recent years, appearing in the dramatic comedy "The Five Heartbeats" (1991) with Robert Townsend and "Menace II Society" (1993) with Tyrin Turner. She also was featured in the TV movie "Heat Wave" (TNT, 1989-1990). She also worked in television during these years, including a part on "Designing Women" (CBS, 1986-1993). Coleman more recently acted in the Robert Townsend adventurous drama "The Meteor Man" (1993). Marilyn was formerly married to jazz percussionist George Allen. They have a daughter, Marci Allen-Koutsialis. After their divorce, she married jazz singer Earl Coleman. They had two children, Kevin Coleman and Dana Coleman-Baylor.
Filmography
1993
- Menace II Society as Grandmama
- The Meteor Man as Mrs. Walker
- Road to Nowhere as Housekeeper
- Better Off Dead. as Rene Dubuque
1990
- Heat Wave as Cora
1988
- I'm Gonna Git You Sucka as Funeral Mourner
1985
- The Atlanta Child Murders as Lois Evans
1984
- Hunter as Hotel Clerk
1982
- Vice Squad as Beatrice Adams
- Don't Go to Sleep as Sarah
- Something So Right as Secretary
1981
- The Best Little Girl in the World as Emergency Room Nurse
1979
- Aunt Mary as Grace Hazel
- No Other Love as Mrs. Walker
1978
- A Woman Called Moses as Molly
- Remember My Name as Teresa
- Nowhere to Run as Maid
1977
- The Love Boat as Mrs. Dennison
- Looking for Mr. Goodbar as Mrs. Jackson
- Which Way Is Up? as Sister Sarah Thomas
- Invasion of the Love Drones as Club Drone
1974
- Willie Dynamite as Connie
1972
- Up the Sandbox as Rose White