Beloved actor Mike Nussbaum, best known for his roles in “Men in Black” and “Field of Dreams,” has passed away at the age of 99. According to the Associated Press, Nussbaum was the oldest professional working actor in the United States. The New York Post reported that Nussbaum died of natural causes in his Chicago home, just six days shy of his 100th birthday, according to his daughter, Karen.
“He was a good father and a good man who raised us to care about other people and respect other people and care about justice,” Karen told the AP. Nussbaum was a stage and screen actor and director, and was honored with a lifetime achievement award from the League of Chicago Theaters in 2019. At that time, he was recognized as the oldest working member of Actors’ Equity.
Celebrities and fans alike took to social media to share their condolences for Nussbaum. Actor John Cusack tweeted, “RIP Mike Nussbaum – a truly great actor of stage and screen – with stage his greatest love – I’ve seen him on stage all my life – always pitch perfect in anything he ever did – and a true gentleman – Chicago Icon.” Film critic Richard Roeper also paid tribute, writing, “Chicago theater legend and film/TV character actor Mike Nussbaum has died just six days short of his 100th birthday. Credits include a number of David Mamet plays, “Fatal Attraction,” “Field of Dreams,” “House of Games,” “Men in Black,” “The X-Files.” Rest well good sir.”
Nussbaum’s first wife, Annette Brenner, passed away in 2003 after 56 years of marriage. The couple had three children: labor leader Karen, playwright/novelist Susan, and labor leader Jack. Susan sadly passed away from pneumonia in 2022 at the age of 68.
The entertainment industry has lost a true talent in Mike Nussbaum, and his legacy will live on through his many memorable performances on stage and screen.
