Michael Lerner, the Brooklyn-born character actor who played a myriad of imposing figures in his 60 years in the business, including crime bosses, CEOs, politicians, protective fathers and the monologuing movie mogul Jack Lipnick in “Barton Fink,” has died. He was 81. His nephew, actor Sam Lerner, announced his in an Instagram post Sunday. Sam Lerner wrote that his uncle died Saturday but did not provide further details. Michael Lerner was also well known for his roles in “Harlem Nights,” “Elf,” and “Eight Men Out." Sam Lerner, in his post, wrote "RIP Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.”
Michael Lerner, the Brooklyn-born character actor who played a myriad of imposing figures in his 60 years in the business, including monologuing movie mogul Jack Lipnick in “Barton Fink,” the crooked club owner Bugsy Calhoun in “Harlem Nights” and an angry publishing executive in “Elf” has died. He was 81. His nephew, actor Sam Lerner, […]
Michael Lerner, the Brooklyn-born character actor who played a myriad of imposing figures in his 60 years in the business, including monologuing movie mogul Jack Lipnick in “Barton Fink,” has died. He was 81.
“I would love people to know that I am a chameleon,” Mr. Lerner, who was nominated for a best supporting actor Oscar in 1992, said of his five-decade career as a character actor in movies and television.