Jean Hale Coleman died of natural causes on August 3. Her parents broke the news today, with Hollywood Reporter being the first to publish a piece on her. Coleman was a staple of ’60s and ’70s television, appearing on a wide variety of shows. Some of her credits include Batman, Bonanza, The Alfred Hitchcock Hour, Hawaii 5-0, My Favorite Martain, and Hogan’s Heroes.
Coleman’s Early LifeÂ
Coleman was born to Stanton G and Doris Hale in 1938. She was born in Salt Lake City, Utah, and grew up Mormon. However, she grew up in Darien, Connecticut. According to Hollywood Reporter, she was a model for the Coover Agency, as well as the Huntington Hartford Agency. However, she was passionate about acting and studied at the Neighborhood Playhouse. While there, she met Dabney Coleman, who she later married.
Jean Hale Coleman Died Leaving Behind a Long Legacy of AppearancesÂ
Coleman found big-screen success with the exploration horror film Violent Midnight. From there, she went on to make a number of appearances as a character actress, culminating in a memorable turn as the accomplice of Batman character the Mad Hatter. She was also known for her role in the spy-fi comedy film In Like Flint, where she portrayed Lisa Norton, an operative of Fabulous Face. Other films she appeared in include Perry Mason, The St. Valentine’s Day Massacre, and The Oscar.
According to Hollywood Reporter, before Jean Hale Coleman died, she was working on a script called Being Jeannie, which follows the true story of a woman who impersonated Coleman and married (and robbed) 10 different men.
Surviving Family
Jean Hale Coleman died peacefully and is survived by her family, which includes Coleman; Kelly, Randy, and Quincy. According to Deadline, Coleman was a “dedicated grandmother” who took her role within the family very seriously.