Noted American actress Coates was born in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma, and spent her formative years in the picturesque coastal city of Santa Monica, California, where she initially honed her acting skills by performing in children's theater productions.
Following her early start, Coates went on to pursue a formal education in acting at the prestigious University of California, Los Angeles, where she honed her craft and laid the groundwork for a successful career in the entertainment industry.
After completing her studies, Coates began working in stock theater companies based in the East, further refining her skills and gaining valuable experience in the process.
It was during this time that Coates met her future husband, the talented James Noble, who would later gain fame for his portrayal of "Governor Gene Gatling" on the popular television show "Benson" (1979).
The couple's initial meeting took place in 1951 in Worcester, Massachusetts, while Coates was performing the iconic role of "Eliza Doolittle" in a production of George Bernard Shaw's "Pygmalion".
Throughout their long and storied careers, Coates and Noble would go on to appear in numerous plays together, including notable productions such as "Long Day's Journey into Night" and "A Delicate Balance", showcasing their impressive chemistry and undeniable talent as a couple on stage.
