
Person
Marilyn Coleman
Acting · 1934–2013 · Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
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.
Known for

The Love Boat
Mrs. Dennison

Hunter
Hotel Clerk

Menace II Society
Grandmama

I'm Gonna Git You Sucka
Funeral Mourner

Aunt Mary
Grace Hazel

A Woman Called Moses
Molly

The Atlanta Child Murders
Lois Evans

Looking for Mr. Goodbar
Mrs. Jackson

The Meteor Man
Mrs. Walker

Something So Right
Secretary
Filmography
- 1993The Meteor ManMrs. Walker
- 1993Road to NowhereHousekeeper
- 1993Menace II SocietyGrandmama
- 1993Better Off Dead.Rene Dubuque
- 1990Heat WaveCora
- 1988I'm Gonna Git You SuckaFuneral Mourner
- 1985The Atlanta Child MurdersLois Evans
- 1984HunterHotel Clerk
- 1982Don't Go to SleepSarah
- 1982Something So RightSecretary
- 1982Vice SquadBeatrice Adams
- 1981The Best Little Girl in the WorldEmergency Room Nurse
- 1979Aunt MaryGrace Hazel
- 1979No Other LoveMrs. Walker
- 1978A Woman Called MosesMolly
- 1978Remember My NameTeresa
- 1978Nowhere to RunMaid
- 1977Which Way Is Up?Sister Sarah Thomas
- 1977Invasion of the Love DronesClub Drone
- 1977Looking for Mr. GoodbarMrs. Jackson
- 1977The Love BoatMrs. Dennison
- 1974Willie DynamiteConnie
- 1972Up the SandboxRose White
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