Michael Lerner, an American actor best remembered for his Oscar-nominated role in Barton Fink, has died at the age of 81. His nephew, actor Sam Lerner, published a lengthy statement on his Instagram account informing followers of the tragedy and paying tribute to his uncle.
Sam presented a carousel of images from Michael’s life throughout the years and referred to him as a “legend,” noting how “influential” the latter was to him.
I’ve always been inspired by and in love with acting because of his stories. The fact that he was my blood makes me feel extra special forever. He was the coolest, most self-assured, and talented person.
Sam continued: “Michael was nuts in the greatest way,” recalling Michael.
“I’m very grateful that I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all fortunate that we may continue to appreciate his work indefinitely. Michael, may you rest in peace and enjoy an infinite supply of Cuban cigars, plush recliners, and movie marathons.”
Michael Lerner’s net worth explored
R.I.P. Michael Lerner (1941-2023), his numerous acting credits including EIGHT MEN OUT, ELF, HARLEM NIGHTS, NEWSIES, and an Oscar nomination for the Coen brothers' 1991 hit, BARTON FINK. pic.twitter.com/QJeoSmjRQU
— Film at Lincoln Center (@FilmLinc) April 10, 2023
Michael Lerner was a Brooklyn, New York resident who was born on June 11th, 1941. Michael Lerner’s estimated net worth at the time of his passing was $3 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
The 81-year-old, who was the son of a trash dealer, was well known for portraying criminals, Hollywood moguls, law enforcement officials, and politicians.
Before relocating to Hollywood, Lerner appeared in an experimental movie made by Yoko Ono, his old London flatmate. He next appeared in Michael Ritchie’s The Candidate as Robert Redford’s scriptwriter (1972).
He rose to renown for his performances as the killer Jack Ruby in the 1978 CBS docudrama Ruby and Oswald and the White House press secretary Pierre Salinger in the 1974 ABC telefilm The Missiles of October.
Michael Lerner then had a protracted career in the entertainment sector.
rip the great michael lerner, a performer who elevated films of any quality with his brilliance. you will be missed. pic.twitter.com/9cqVsNYFtl
— Hit Factory Podcast (@HitFactoryPod) April 9, 2023
In 1991, his portrayal of Hollywood magnate Jack Lipnick in Ethan and Joel Cohen’s Barton Fink earned him an Oscar Award nomination.
He consented to portray Cher’s father Mel Horowitz in the Clueless television adaptation in 1996. In addition, Lerner shared screen time with Lea Michele in a recurring role on Glee as Sidney Greene, an investor working on the Broadway production of Funny Girl.
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His filmography includes roles in movies including National Lampoon’s Class Reunion, Newsies, Harlem Nights, Godzilla, The Mod Squad, Elf, Poster Boy, and X-Men: Days of Future Past.
Roger's response to the great Michael Lerner playing "Mayor Ebert" in "Godzilla": "Now that I've inspired a character in a Godzilla movie, all I really still desire is for several Ingmar Bergman characters to sit in a circle and read my reviews to one another in hushed tones." pic.twitter.com/qm7CXgsk8l
— Richard Roeper (@RichardERoeper) April 10, 2023
The Brady Bunch, MAS*H, Starsky & Hutch, Wonder Woman, Hill Street Blues, Rhoda, The A-Team, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, Saving Grace, Suburgatory, Courthouse, The Good Guys, Kojak, Kingdom Hospital, The Good Wife, The Bob Newhart Show, The Odd Couple, and other shows were among Michael Lerner’s television credits.