Michael Lerner, the veteran character actor known for roles in films such as Barton Fink, Elf and Get Shorty, died at 81 after a battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Shelton, and their three children.
April 8, 2023
April 11, 2023
The New York City-born actor began his career in theatre, appearing in plays both off-Broadway and on Broadway. Over the course of his career he would appear in over 50 projects across film, television and stage, quickly becoming a recognizable face in Hollywood.
Lerner began his acting career in the late 1960s performing off-Broadway, with credits including "A Slight Ache," "The Queen and the Rebels" and "The Education of H*Y*M*A*N K*A*P*L*A*N," among others. In 1984, he made his movie debut in Heaven Help Us alongside Mary Stuart Masterson and Sean Astin. He went on to appear in films such as My Best Friend's Birthday, Problem Child 2 alongside John Ritter, What’s Eating Gilbert Grape with Johnny Depp and Get Shorty starring John Travolta.
Lerner landed his breakthrough role as Jack Lipnick in the Coen Brothers' cult classic The Big Lebowski in 1998. Throughout the next decade, he had small roles in some of the biggest films of the time, including Analyze This (1999), Elf (2003), Fun with Dick and Jane (2005), 13 Going on 30 (2004) and King Kong (2005).
The actor gained recognition for his role as Jack Lipnick and it was this role that earned him his only Oscar nomination in 1992, for Best Supporting Actor in the film Barton Fink. His other notable TV appearances included guest spots on Seinfeld, Brooklyn Nine-Nine and Frasier. His final projects included The Wave in 2015 and Lady Dynamite in 2016.
Lerner is survived by his wife, actress Lynn Shelton, whom he married in 1982, and their kids, Sam, Frank and Claire.
Michael Lerner was an accomplished and beloved actor who left a lasting impression on audiences far and wide. He will be remembered for his charisma and wit.
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