(CNN) — Michael Lerner, a veteran character actor who received an Oscar nomination for his performance as an overbearing studio head in the 1991 film "Barton Fink," has died, his nephew, actor Sam Lerner, announced in a post on social media. He was 81.
"We lost a legend last night," Sam Lerner wrote in an Instagram post on Sunday. "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."
No further details on Lerner's death were given. CNN has reached out to representatives for Michael and Sam Lerner for further comment.
With film and television credits dating back to the 1960's, Lerner's career in Hollywood spanned decades. His earliest work throughout the '60's and '70's included appearances on television shows like "The Doris Day Show," "The Bob Newhart Show" and "M*A*S*H."
His first film came in 1970 as the character Leo in "Alex in Wonderland" alongside Donald Sutherland and Ellen Burstyn. Lerner went on to appear in films such as "The Ski Bum," "The Candidate," and "Outlaw Blues."
The actor appeared in multiple episodes of "Hill Street Blues" and "Melba" in the mid '80s before he starred in "Barton Fink" in 1991. His performance as studio executive Jack Lipnick, for which he starred alongside John Turturro, John Goodman and Judy Davis, earned him an Oscar nomination for best supporting actor.
-
AES Indiana's parent company agrees to be sold, will go private
The parent company of AES Indiana is being sold to a group of private investors. Locally, the company says customers shouldn't expect major changes.
Woman dies after being shot on Indy's near southwest side
A woman is dead after she was shot early Monday morning on Indianapolis' near southwest side, according to the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department.
6 US service members killed as Iran conflict intensifies
At least four American soldiers have died as the war in the Middle East intensified over the weekend and Iran and its proxy forces launched retaliatory strikes against Israel and Arab states.
Indy mother pleads for answers in son's 2024 homicide
An Indianapolis mother is pleading for answers about her son's murder in 2024. It's been almost two years since he was shot and killed, and the question of who killed him remains unanswered.
