Dabney Coleman, best known for his portrayal of cantankerous characters in films such as Tootsie and 9 to 5, has died at age 92.

Originally from Austin, Texas, he died at his home in Santa Monica, California, his daughter told US media.

Mr Coleman began his career on Broadway in the 1960s.

He later became known as a character actor in a variety of TV and film roles, as well as for his trademark moustache.

One of his breakthrough parts was as a devious politician in the soap opera Mary Hartman, Mary Hartman in the 1970s.

In 9 to 5, released in 1980, he starred opposite Jane Fonda, Lily Tomlin, and Dolly Parton, playing the role of Franklin Hart Jr – their obnoxious, sexist boss.

His character in 1982’s Tootsie was similarly lacking in redeeming qualities, as was the title character of Buffalo Bill, the NBC sitcom Mr Coleman later starred in.