Michael Lerner, a famous actor best remembered for roles in Godzilla, Elf, and X-Men: Days of Future Past, has passed away. On Saturday, the venerable celebrity passed away at the age of 81.
The sad news of Lerner’s passing was confirmed by his nephew Sam, who is well-known for portraying Geoff Schwartz in the television series The Goldbergs. Continue reading to learn what led to Michael Lerner’s passing.
Oscar-nominated actor Michael Lerner passes away at 81
Michael Lerner, who received an Oscar nod for his outstanding performance in the psychological comedy Barton Fink by Joel and Ethan Coen in 1991, has passed away. He was 81 years old when he passed away.
On Sunday, April 9, 2023, Michael’s nephew Sam, who is also a professional actor, broke the tragic news of the Elf actor’s passing on the social media site Instagram.
“Last night, we lost a legend. It’s difficult to express how smart my uncle Michael was or how important he was to me. Sam commented with a collection of images of the great actor, “His stories always inspired me and helped me fall in love with performing.
He was the coolest, most assured, most talented guy, and the fact that he was a member of my family will always make me feel special, continued Lerner. Everyone who knew him was aware of his best kind of insanity.
“I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to watch his work for the rest of time,” he wrote in his closing statement. Michael, may you forever smoke Cuban cigars, relax in plush chairs, and watch movies nonstop.
Michael Lerner died, however the precise cause of his passing has not yet been made public. Both Ken, the actor’s brother, and Sam, his nephew, are still alive.
Here’s all you need to know about Michael Lerner (including his early life, acting career, and more)
Michael Lerner was an actor who was born on June 22, 1941, to Blanche and George Lerner in Brooklyn, New York City. He was of Jewish and Romanian ancestry. In reality, his father was a rubbish merchant, according to Lerner, who claimed that his father “loved to imagine he was an antiquities dealer.”
Lerner and his younger brother Ken were raised in Solon, Ohio and Red Hook, Brooklyn. Actors Sam, his nephew, and Jenny, his niece, are also related to him. At the tender age of 13, he made his television debut as a “quiz child” on a show presented by a local sportscaster.
At about the same time, Michael played Willy Loman in a Brooklyn College production of Death of a Salesman. The encounter taught him that acting was his genuine vocation.
Lerner began pursuing an acting career at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco in the late 1960s, according to his Imdb biography. In television shows including “M*A*S*H,” “The Rockford Files,” “Starsky & Hutch,” and “Hill Street Blues,” he performed supporting roles.
Michael Lerner was an Oscar-nominated actor
Yes, it is what you read. Michael put in a lot of effort during the 1970s and 1980s to make a reputation for himself in the entertainment industry. He received an Oscar nomination in 1991 for his outstanding performance in the historical thriller Barton Fink by the Coen brothers.
In that year’s Barton Fink by Ethan and Joel Cohen, Lerner received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of movie mogul Jack Lipnick.
Soon after, Lerner was cast as Mel Horowitz in the Clueless television adaption. Also, he agreed to play the part of Glee investor Sidney Greene.
Michael Lerner had many acting credits to his name
Over his acting career, Lerner appeared in numerous films, including Elf (2003), Poster Boy (2004), X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014), Harlem Nights (1989), Newsies (1992), Blank Check (1994), The Beautician and the Beast (1997), Godzilla (1998), The Mod Squad (1999), and many more.
The Good Guys, The Brady Bunch, The Bob Newhart Show, The Odd Couple, M*A*S*H, Rhoda, Starsky & Hutch, Wonder Woman, Kojak, Hill Street Blues, The A-Team, Courthouse, The Special Victims Unit, Kingdom Hospital, Saving Grace, The Good Wife, The Good Wife (2012), and Suburgatory are among Michael’s TV appearances (2012).
Tributes pour in for Michael Lerner
The moment the tragic news of Michael Lerner’s passing spread on social media, a number of the Hollywood actor’s well-known pals rushed sites like Instagram and Twitter with condolence notes.
Great actor and person, according to Doug Ellin. I consider myself really lucky to have worked with him. My sympathies go out to your family. Michael Lerner, RIP, continued Marc Maron. worked on my show with him. He had personality. A great actor. We lost a terrific performer and a beautiful man today, Dean Devlin wrote in a tweet. worked with him on Godzilla, which was an honour. excellent performance. Michael, RIP.
#RIP Michael Lerner, Mike Barnes said on Twitter in a loving tribute to Michael. How incredible he was as Barton Fink! He responded, “I came in and f—ing blew them away.” “I gave a character audition and spoke rapidly. Joel and Ethan Coen were hysterically laughing and sobbing while lying on the ground.
#RIP Michael Lerner. How amazing was he in Barton Fink! “I came in and f—ing blew them away,” he said. “I auditioned in character, talking a mile a minute. Joel and Ethan Coen were on the ground, laughing and crying in hysterics.” https://t.co/bRq43hwkX4
One commenter on social media added, “RIP to one of the greatest character performers of all time, Michael Lerner. He first appeared in Blank Check when I was a child, and I have always thought of him as “the guy from Blank Check,” yet he has been in so many wonderful films, including his incredible role in Barton Fink.
“Again another renowned actor has died away,” a user said. We appreciate everything that Michael Lerner provided for us. Whether it was Barton Fink, Godzilla, or A Serious Man. Thank you one more.
Yet another legendary actor, has passed away. Thank you, Michael Lerner, for everything you gave us.
Whether it was A Serious Man, Godzilla, or Barton Fink. Once again, thank you. pic.twitter.com/1y4Fyk9b11
— Rockin’ Bubbles “Winter’s Coming” Rialto🐈🌻 (@PippiTheCat1) April 9, 2023
We offer the whole Lerner family our sincere condolences during this trying time. May he rest in peace with his soul. Keep checking back with us for the most recent information from the entertainment industry.
