American actor, Michael Lerner has been reported dead. The cause of death was not revealed. His nephew Sam Lerner shared in an Instagram post that the veteran actor who was known for his role in Barton Fink died last night (Saturday, April 8, 2023). He was 81 years old at the time of death.
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“We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting. He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special. Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was – in the best way. I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to watch his work for the rest of time. RIP Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon,” Sam wrote in the post.
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He started his acting career in an experimental film directed by Yoko Ono. He went on to play the speechwriter for Robert Redford’s character in The Candidate, a movie that was released in 1972.
In 1991, he received an Oscar nomination for his role in Barton Fink. Before that, he had auditioned for the brothers but he was not hired for Miller’s Crossing until later on.
“They said the character was a Michael Lerner type, but they didn’t have me come in until last minute. I came in and f**king blew them away. I auditioned in character, talking a mile a minute. Joel and Ethan Coen were on the ground, laughing and crying in hysterics, and I just walked out of there. I came in, I did the first big speech and I walked out,” he said.
He was known for other movies and tv shows including;
- Omen IV: The Awakening.
- The Bannen Way.
- The Comrades of Summer.
- Reflection of Murder.
- Ruby and Oswald.
- The Missiles of October.
- Framed.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LA0EfX-RKkk
Tributes have been pouring in on social media from fans and loved ones.
“RIP Michael Lerner, the consummate professional character actor who did great work in too many movies, good or bad, to name. I treasure how the Coens had him below in Barton Fink and A Serious Man, and I adore him in Bigas Luna’s completely insane horror Anguish,” William Friedkin tweeted.
“Another great name from future film credits gone. RIP the brilliant, extremely versatile Michael Lerner,” Clink O. Coast also wrote.
“RIP Michael Lerner, a real one. Gotta love an actor who gets an Oscar nomination for “Barton Fink” and three years later plays a sci-fi prison warden in “No Escape” and rocks in both roles,” filmmaker, Jesse Hawken also wrote.
“I’m deeply saddened to hear of the passing of Michael Lerner. Condolences to the family. Rest in Peace,” Victor Munguia.
“Goodbye to the legend, Michael Lerner. Truly one of my favorite actors,” NY Journalist Jason Diamond wrote.
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