Michael Lerner

Michael Lerner: biography

Michael Lerner was an American actor who appeared in numerous movies, television shows, and stage productions who was nominated for his role in Barton Fink for Best Supporting Actor for the Academy Award.

Childhood and youth

Michael Lerner was born on June 22, 1941, in Brooklyn, New York, and grew up in a Jewish family. His parents were involved in the garment industry, with his father owning a factory that produced women's coats. Lerner attended Brooklyn College and graduated with a degree in English literature.

As a child, Lerner was interested in theater and began performing in school plays at a young age. His love for acting continued throughout his youth, and he later studied at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art.

After returning to the United States, Lerner began his acting career in theater, performing in off-Broadway productions and regional theater. He made his film debut in 1971 in the movie "The Candidate," but it wasn't until the 1980s that he began to gain wider recognition for his work.

In addition to his acting career, Lerner has been involved in political activism, particularly around issues related to the environment and nuclear disarmament. He was a co-founder of the Alliance for Survival, a grassroots organization that worked to prevent nuclear war, and was a board member of several environmental organizations.

Movie career

Michael Lerner had a prolific career in film, appearing in over 100 movies throughout his career. Lerner's first major movie role came in 1971 in "The Candidate," starring Robert Redford. He continued to work in small roles throughout the 1970s and 1980s, but it was his role in the Coen Brothers' "Barton Fink" in 1991 that brought him wider recognition and critical acclaim.

In "Barton Fink," Lerner played Jack Lipnick, the head of a Hollywood studio. His portrayal of the volatile and egotistical Lipnick earned him a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Following his success in "Barton Fink," Lerner went on to appear in several high-profile movies, including "The Flintstones" (1994), "A Little Princess" (1995), and "Godzilla" (1998).

One of Lerner's most memorable roles came in "X-Men: Days of Future Past" (2014), in which he played Senator Brickman. In the movie, Lerner's character advocates for the Sentinel program, which would use robots to hunt and capture mutants. Lerner's performance was praised for its nuanced portrayal of a complex and conflicted character.

In addition to his work in film, Lerner also appeared in numerous television shows throughout his career. He had guest roles on popular series such as "The Sopranos," "Law & Order," and "Entourage." He also played the recurring character of Mayor Randall Winston on the sitcom "Spin City" from 1996 to 2002.

Throughout his career, Lerner demonstrated a versatility in his performances, ranging from dramatic roles to comedic ones. He was praised for his ability to bring depth and nuance to even the most minor of characters. Lerner's dedication to his craft and his willingness to take risks as an actor made him a respected figure in the entertainment industry.

Personal life

Michael Lerner had been married to his wife, Deborah Lerner, since 1969. The couple has a son together, whose name is Akiva Jeremiah Lerner.

Outside of his acting career, Lerner was known for his involvement in political and social activism. He was a vocal advocate for causes related to the environment and nuclear disarmament, and had served as a board member for several environmental organizations.

Lerner was also a published author, he wrote two books. His first book, "The Politics of Meaning: Restoring Hope and Possibility in an Age of Cynicism," was published in 1996 and discusses his ideas for building a more compassionate and just society. His second book, "Surplus Powerlessness: The Psychodynamics of Everyday Life and the Psychology of Individual and Social Transformation," was published in 2003 and explores the ways in which individuals and societies can work to overcome powerlessness and achieve greater fulfillment.

Death

On April 8, 2023 it was announced that Michael Lerner died at the age of 81. His death was confirmed by his nephew Sam Lerner.

Filmography

Film:

• The Candidate (1972)
• Hangup (1974)
• St. Ives (1976)
• Goldengirl (1979)
• Coast to Coast(1980)
• Borderline (1980)
• Vibes (1988)
• Harlem Nights (1989)
• Barton Fink (1991)
• Newsies (1992)
• No Escape (1994)
• The Mod Squad (1999)
• Elf (2003)
• Larceny (2004)
• Poster Boy (2004)
• The Last Time (2006)
• Mirror Mirror (2012)
• X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014)
• Ashby (2015)
• Frankenstein's Monster's Monster, Frankenstein (2019)

Television:

• The Good Guys (1963)
• The Young Lawyers (1970)
• The Bold Ones: The New Doctors (1972)
• Ironside (1972)
• Emergency! (1973)
• M*A*S*H (1974)
• Harry O (1976)
• Barnaby Jones (1980)
• Omen IV: The Awakening (1991)
• Clueless (1996-1997)
• The Good Wife (2012)
• Glee (2013-2014)
• Childrens Hospital (2015)
• Maron (2016)