Chicago theatre legend Mike Nussbaum, recognized by Actors Equity as the oldest professional actor in the country, has died just one week short of the age of 100.
Nussbaum began his acting career in the 1950s in Chicago community theater, including Hull House and later Second City. He was a fixture on Chicago’s stages for more than half a century.
Despite being called to Hollywood to appear in films including Men in Black, Fatal Attraction and Field of Dreams, Nussbaum always returned to his roots in Chicago, to his first love, the theater. He also appeared in the Chicago-made films TR Baskin, The Gladiator, and Losing Isaiah, and TV series The Chicago Code and Early Edition.
Nussbaum helped found the Northlight Theatre and performed there as Albert Einstein in Mamet’s Relativity, Jumpers, Curve of Departure, and Visiting Mr. Green.
At the Goodman Theater, his credits included David Mamet’s American Buffalo, Glengarry Glen Ross, Smokefall, among others. At Steppenwolf Theatre he performed in Death of a Salesman and The Old Country. At Chicago Shakespeare Theater his performances included Macbeth, Henry VIII, and the production of Hamlet at age 95.
Stewart Talent Agency who represented Nussbaum, released a statement on social media saying, “We at Stewart Talent mourn the loss of one of the greatest titans of our industry, the legendary Mike Nussbaum, who passed today at his home at the age of 99. Mike was recognized as the oldest professional actor in America by Actors Equity. His work on stage and screen alike will be forever remembered by all of us, everyone in Chicago, and the nation at large. We’re so grateful to have known and loved Mike, and send all condolences and love to his family.”
Steppenwolf Theatre Company released the following statement:
Our entire community mourns the loss and celebrates the life of Mike Nussbaum—a remarkable talent, a Chicago legend and a beloved friend.
Among the many who were impacted by Mike over the course of his illustrious career, members of our ensemble pay tribute to his work, on stage and off.
“Mike’s the reason I stayed in Chicago and did theatre. He told me, if I stayed here, I would become an actor. He was right. I loved him.” – Ensemble member William Petersen
“Mike was a great actor and a wonderful collaborator. He was a grounded, generous and inspiring human being. A real gentleman.” – Ensemble member Amy Morton
Nussbaum is survived by his second wife Julie Nussbaum, his children Karen and Jack from his first marriage, to the late Annette Brenner, and seven grandchildren.
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