Mike Nussbaum, a seasoned actor and a venerable presence in the American entertainment industry, known for his roles in iconic films such as “Men in Black” and “Field of Dreams,” has passed away at the age of 99.
Nussbaum, who succumbed to natural causes just six days shy of his centennial milestone, breathed his last at his Chicago residence, as revealed by his daughter Karen to the Chicago Tribune.
Renowned for his portrayal of characters like book publisher Bob Drimmer in “Fatal Attraction” (1987), a school principal in “Field of Dreams” (1989), and the extraterrestrial jeweler Gentle Rosenburg in “Men in Black” (1997), Nussbaum left an indelible mark on cinema. His cinematic repertoire also includes notable works such as “House of Games” (1987), “Things Change” (1988), “Harry and Tonto” (1974), “Losing Josiah” (1995), and “Steal Big Steal Little” (1995).
In the realm of television, Nussbaum graced shows such as “The Equalizer,” “The X-Files,” “Brooklyn Bridge,” “Separate but Equal,” “Frasier,” “L.A. Law,” “227,” “The Commish,” and “Early Edition.”
Born on December 29, 1923, in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, Nussbaum’s roots in the performing arts extended beyond the silver screen. He carved out a prolific career in theater, particularly in David Mamet plays both on and off Broadway, earning recognition as the first actor to embody Teach in Mamet’s “American Buffalo” and originating the role of George Aaronow in the 1984 Broadway production of “Glengarry Glen Ross.” Nussbaum also donned the persona of Albert Einstein in Mamet’s “Relativity.”
Survived by his second wife Julie, children Jack and Karen, along with seven grandchildren, Mike Nussbaum’s legacy in the world of entertainment is characterized by a uniqueness and brilliance that set him apart, leaving an enduring impact on those who had the privilege of witnessing his exceptional talent.
