Michael Lerner, 81, a star of Elf and Barton Fink, has passed away

Michael Lerner|Barton Fink|Sam Lerner| Elf|Academy Awards: Actor Michael Lerner, who was nominated for an Oscar, passed away at the age of 81.

Sam Lerner, his nephew and a fellow actor, shared the information on Instagram on Saturday night. (April 8). The reason of death has not yet been disclosed.

In his statement, Sam Lerner stated: "We lost a legend last night. It's difficult to express how smart my uncle Michael was or how important he was to me. I've always been inspired by and in love with acting because of his stories. The fact that he was my blood makes me feel extra special forever. He was the coolest, most self-assured, and talented guy.

"Everyone who knew him was aware of his best kind of insanity. I'm so grateful that I got to spend so much time with him, and we're all fortunate that we can continue to appreciate his work indefinitely. Enjoy your limitless Cuban cigars, plush recliners, and never-ending movie marathon, Michael.

Michael Lerner is best remembered for his performance as Jack Lipnick in the 1991 film Barton Fink, for which he received an Academy Award nomination the following year for Best Supporting Actor. In addition, he has roles in movies including Godzilla, Harlem Nights, Life During Wartime, Elf, and X-Men: Days of Future Past. He last appeared in a feature film in 2015's comedy-drama Ashby.

Lerner, who was born in Brooklyn in June 1941, started her acting career in San Francisco in the late 1960s. The American actor, who is Romanian-Jewish, began his career in supporting TV roles on shows like M*A*S*H, Starsky & Hutch, MacGyver, and The A-Team. Later in his career, he returned to TV to appear in Clueless, Glee, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, and Entourage.

Through comments on Sam Lerner's post, a number of actors and crew members who had collaborated with Michael Lerner have paid tribute to the late actor. Great actor and person, according to Doug Ellin, the author of Entourage. I consider it a great privilege to have worked with him.

Sam," Mindy Sterling penned. I am aware of how difficult it is and how proud you were of him. I'm sending my love to your family, especially your dad, and to you.
What Time Do We Eat? In a tweet honouring Michael Lerner, director Salvador Litvak wrote: "We lost a terrific performer and a good friend on Passover. With Max Greenfield and Jack Klugman, I had the privilege of directing Michael Lerner (1941-2023) in his leading role as Ira Stuckman. Ben Feldman and Lesley Ann Warren star in our Passover comedy, When Do We Eat?
He was a big talent, humorous both on and off television, a gentleman, a voracious reader, and a force to be reckoned with at the poker table. And all the way through, his timing was perfect! I pray that his memory will always be a blessing.