Who is Michael Lerner – Prolific Oscar-Nominated Actor Who Passed Away at 81
Michael Lerner, who appeared in films such as Blank Check, Harlem Nights, Godzilla, and No Way Back, passed away at the age of 81. Lerner was nominated for an Academy Award for his outstanding performance in the Coen brothers’ 1991 film Barton Fink. Lerner’s nephew, Sam Lerner broke the sad news of his death, writing an eulogy for his uncle and posted photos of him on Instagram.
Sam Lerner wrote in an Instagram caption, “We lost a legend last night.” The actor passed away at the age of 81 and the reason of his death is not yet revealed. As per reports, the actor was suffering from liver ailments.
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Michael Lerner made his Hollywood Debut in 1969
Michael Lerner, who hails from Brooklyn, New York was one of the most incredible actors in the industry. Lerner studied acting at Brooklyn College, achieved his master’s degree at UC Berkeley, and studied theatre on a Fulbright Scholarship at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. In the year 1969, Lerner made his Hollywood debut as a guest star in The Brady Bunch.
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In 1970, the Elf actor started getting roles in movies. After the guest appearance in The Brady Bunch, the actor worked in many shows like The Doris Day Show, That Girl, The Bob Newhart Show, M.A.S.H. and The Odd Couple. Lerner was also part of the movie The Candidate, which won the Oscar for Best Original Screenplay. In the movie, the actor played the role of a speechwriter.
The late actor notoriety boomed after Academy Awards nomination
Lerner’s performance in the movie Barton Fink, which was released in the year 1991, brought him fame and money both. The actor was nominated for Best supporting actor for the movie in the Chicago Film Critics Association Awards, and he won the award for Best Supporting Actor at Los Angeles Film Critics Association Awards for his role as Jack Lipnic for the same. As per reports, after he got nominated at the Academy Awards in 1992 for the film, Lerner said,
“I’d been a working character actor for about 20 years, and then suddenly I got nominated and my money went up!
In 2016, he was nominated for Best Actor for the movie American Bred at the North Hollywood Cinefest. Lerner appeared in at least 46 movies in 60 years of his career. He was an active reader who possessed a precious collection of rare books. He was also an inquisitive soul who enjoyed reading and researching various topics. In 2002, Lerner appeared with Madonna in the West End play Up for Grabs. American television actor Ken Lerner is Lerner’s brother. He is yet to speak about his brother’s death. Michael Lerner’s demise came as a shock to Hollywood.
Source: Entertainment
