Mike Nussbaum, a Chicago-based actor who starred in blockbusters field of dreams, men in black, Fatal Attractionand more died on Saturday morning (December 23), just five days before their 100th birthday.
In the early ’60s, Nussbaum made a name for herself in the Windy City as a theater star. He landed notable roles in many of David Mamet’s works such as Glengarry Glen Ross and American buffalo. It wasn’t long before she expanded to Hollywood. But even after landing roles in major films, he remained a fixture in Chicago theater.
Northlight Theater artistic director BJ Jones, a close friend of his, said ABC News 7 that Nussbaum put down roots in Chicago. And even as a supporting screen star, she never considered moving.
“He worked in New York and Los Angeles, but always came home to Chicago,” Jones shared.
“He was born and raised here, and his wife and children were here, and that was vitally important to him,” he continued. “Mike was a committed family man as well as an artist, and I think that’s what influenced his art.”
Mike Nussbaum was the oldest professional actor in the country
And Nussbaum truly lived for her art. He was recognized by Actor’s Equity Union as the oldest professional actor in the United States. To make matters worse, Nussbaum was also dean of the Chicago School of Acting at the time of his death.
In a 2019 interview with ABC 7Nussbaum explained why he was still active in theater at age 95 and foreshadowed his plans to work until the end.
“I have more fun with this than anything else I love,” he said. “I’d hate to have to give it up.”
Nussbaum got exactly what she wanted. He never stopped acting and had no plans to do so. Jones revealed that he even personally delivered a script to his friend just four days before Nussbaum died.
Categories: Biography
Source: vcmp.edu.vn