Michael C. Lerner (June 22, 1941 – April 8, 2023) was an American actor. He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Barton Fink (1991). Lerner also played Arnold Rothstein in Eight Men Out (1988), Phil Gillman in Amos & Andrew (1993), The Warden in No Escape (1994), and Major in Roland Emmerich’s Godzilla (1998). Ebert in The Elf Mr.
He played Greenway (2003). and Senator Brickman in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014). Lerner was born on June 22, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, the son of Romanian-Jewish Blanche and fisherman and antique dealer George Lerner. He grew up in Red Hook, Brooklyn, and Solon, Ohio. His brother Ken and nephew Sam are also actors.
Michael Lerner, who starred in the films Elf and Godzilla and was nominated for an Oscar for the movie Barton Fink, has died at the age of 81.
Longtime actor Michael Lerner, best known for his roles in Godzilla, Elf, and Barton Fink, has died at the age of 81, TMZ reported on Sunday.
The actor’s nephew, Sam Lerner, shared the news on Instagram on Sunday.
He wrote: ‘We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant Uncle Michael was and how influential he was on me.
The 30-year-old actor shared emotionally, “His stories about him have always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting.” “He was the coolest, most confident, and most talented guy, and having him in my blood will always make me feel special.” Writing to his 117 thousand followers on the platform, he continued: “Anyone who knows him knows best how crazy he is.”
Sam added: “I’m so lucky to be able to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky to keep seeing his work for the rest of the time.” He ended the message with: “RIP Michael, enjoy unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy couches, and endless movie marathons.”
Michael made an impact on audiences when he played James Caan’s boss Fulton in Elf, starring Will Ferrell, in 2003. He has also appeared in movies like Newsies, Harlem Nights, The Mod Squad, Celebrity, and For Richer or Poorer.
His career as an entertainer dates back to the ’70s and has appeared in The Brady Bunch, MASH, Starsky and Hutch, and The Good Guys. Other credits include roles in Ironside, The Odd Couple, The Rockford Files, Barnaby Jones, Hill Street Blues, and Melba.
Tales from the Crypt, Courthouse, Clueless, Kingdom Hospital, Law & Order: SVU, Matumbo Goldberg, and Glee also saw Michael.
He was survived by his 74-year-old brother, Ken Lerner, who is also an actor.
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