Beloved Actor Mike Nussbaum, Known for “Field of Dreams” and “Men in Black,” Dies at 99
CHICAGO (AP) — Mike Nussbaum, a legendary actor known for his prolific stage career and roles in films such as “Field of Dreams” and “Men in Black,” has passed away at the age of 99. Nussbaum, who was widely recognized as the oldest professional actor in America, died of old age at his Chicago home on Saturday, just days before his 100th birthday, his daughter Karen Nussbaum told The Associated Press.
“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,” she said of her father.
Nussbaum was honored by the Actor’s Equity Association union multiple times in recent years as the oldest professional actor in the country. When asked about his long and successful career, Nussbaum expressed that he simply enjoyed the work.
“I am gifted and lucky to still be able to do the thing that is the most fun for me in life,” he told WBEZ Chicago in 2019 when he was 94 years old. “As long as I can do it, I will.”
Born in December 1923 in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, Nussbaum didn’t pursue acting full time until he was in his 40s, initially working as an exterminator. However, he eventually received his Equity card in the 1970s and went on to spend more than 50 years on stages in the Chicago area, including at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.
In addition to his stage work, Nussbaum also had a successful career in film, with roles including a school principal in “Field of Dreams” and Gentle Rosenberg in “Men in Black.”
Despite his age, Nussbaum continued to perform well into his 90s, earning praise for his performance as Albert Einstein in the play “Relativity” at Northlight Theatre in suburban Skokie.
“He was a genius on stage. His level of truth was unparalleled. You never saw him sweat. He wasn’t trying to draw attention to himself,” said B.J. Jones, a longtime friend and colleague.
A private funeral service is planned for Nussbaum, with a public memorial service to be held next year.
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