Michael Lerner, a seasoned character actor who was nominated for an Academy Award for his portrayal of an authoritarian studio boss in the 1991 film “Barton Fink,” has passed away, according to an announcement made by his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, who also works in the entertainment industry. He was 81.
On Sunday, Sam Lerner posted a message on Instagram saying, “We lost a legend last night.” “It is difficult to describe how intelligent my Uncle Michael was and how much of an impact he had on my life. His stories have been a constant source of motivation for me, and they are what first sparked my interest in performing. Because Dad was the most talented, self-assured, and coolest guy around, the fact that he was my relative will always make me feel like I belonged in a distinct category. Everyone who knew him knew how insane he was, but I mean that in the most complimentary sense. It was such a blessing that I could spend so much time with him, and it is a blessing that we will continue to enjoy his work for the foreseeable future. Rest in peace, Michael. May you be surrounded by Cuban cigars, comfortable recliners, and never-ending movie marathons.
There were no further particulars provided regarding the passing of Lerner. CNN has attempted to contact representatives of Michael and Sam Lerner for additional comment but has yet to receive a response.
Michael Lerner was born in Brooklyn, New York, in 1941 and attended Brooklyn College for his theatrical training. After receiving his degree, he went on to win a Fulbright scholarship and lived in London for two years until he was invited to join the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. He was taken to Los Angeles by an agent who had noticed him in San Francisco and brought him to the city where his career in Hollywood began.
Lerner’s career in Hollywood spans decades, as evidenced by his film and television credits dating back to the 1960s. Appearances on television programs such as “The Doris Day Show,” “The Bob Newhart Show,” and “M*A*S*H” were among his initial jobs, which he performed throughout the 1960s and 1970s.
The year 1970 marked the release of his debut film, “Alex in Wonderland,” in which he played the role of Leo with Donald Sutherland and Ellen Burstyn. Later in his career, Lerner made appearances in movies like “The Ski Bum,” “The Candidate,” and “Outlaw Blues.”
Before landing the lead role in “Barton Fink” in 1991, the actor made guest appearances in several episodes of “Hill Street Blues” and “Melba” during the middle of the 1980s. In the film in which he co-starred with John Turturro, John Goodman, and Judy Davis under the guise of studio executive Jack Lipnick, he was recognized with a nomination for an Academy Award in the category of best supporting actor.
“I read the script, and you have a natural talent for writing. Lerner stated in 2016 that the script for “Barton Fink” was “brilliantly written, and I just knew it,” adding that during his audition in front of directors Joel and Ethan Coen, “I delivered the monologue the way I wanted to do it, and I simply walked off the room, and that was it.” And Joel and Ethan were over there in the corner, just laughing their heads off, and that was the end of it.
In 1995, Lerner had a starring role in the CBS drama “Courthouse,” playing the role of Judge Myron Winkleman. The show only aired for one season. After that, he played Cher Horowitz’s father, Mel Horowitz, in an episode of the 1996 “Clueless” series based on the highly successful film starring Alicia Silverstone. The episode aired for one season.
Throughout the 2000s and 2010s, Lerner had roles in television shows and movies such as “Law & Order: SVU,” “The Good Wife,” and “Glee.” He also played the role of Fulton in the Christmas classic “Elf,” in which he co-starred with Will Farrell.