Veteran stage and screen actor Mike Nussbaum, celebrated for his enduring presence in American theater and known for his appearances in iconic films like “Field of Dreams” and “Men in Black,” has passed away at the age of 99.
Nussbaum, a cherished figure in the acting community, died peacefully due to natural causes at his residence in Chicago this past Saturday, as confirmed by his daughter Karen Nussbaum. His death came just shy of what would have been his centennial birthday celebration.
Karen fondly remembered her father as a man who instilled the values of compassion, respect, and justice in his family. “He taught us the importance of caring for and respecting others, and always stood for what was just,” she reflected.
The Actor’s Equity Association has recognized Nussbaum on multiple occasions as the nation’s oldest active professional actor. Nussbaum himself expressed his love for acting, noting in a 2019 interview with WBEZ Chicago at age 94, “I consider myself fortunate and blessed to still engage in acting, which brings me so much joy. I plan to continue as long as I am able.”
Nussbaum’s journey into the world of acting began in the Albany Park neighborhood of Chicago, where he was born in December 1923. He took his first steps as an actor at summer camps and didn’t fully commit to the profession until his 40s, after initially working as an exterminator. He earned his Equity card in the 1970s, marking the official start of his professional acting career.
Over five decades, Nussbaum graced numerous stages across Chicago, including performances at the esteemed Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Notable roles included his portrayal of Shylock in “The Merchant of Venice” in 2005 and Gremio in “The Taming of the Shrew.” His remarkable talent earned him a Drama Desk Award in 1984 for his role in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross,” and he frequently collaborated with Mamet throughout his career.
Even into his 90s, Nussbaum continued to captivate audiences, with one of his later roles being that of Albert Einstein in the play “Relativity” at Northlight Theatre in Skokie. He also briefly held the position of artistic director at the theatre. B.J. Jones, Northlight’s current artistic director and a longtime friend of Nussbaum, praised his natural acting ability, saying, “His genius lay in the effortless believability of his performances. He never seemed to be ‘performing’ in the traditional sense.”
While Nussbaum was best known for his stage work, he also left his mark on film. He memorably played a school principal in “Field of Dreams” and Gentle Rosenberg in “Men in Black,” where his character’s head famously opens to reveal an extraterrestrial being.
Plans for a private funeral service are underway, with a public memorial service to follow next year, allowing fans and friends to pay their respects to the esteemed actor.
Mike Nussbaum, recognized as the oldest professional actor in America, passed away at the age of 99 in his Chicago home due to old age. He was just days shy of his 100th birthday. Nussbaum had a distinguished stage career and appeared in films such as “Field of Dreams” and “Men in Black.” He received his Equity card in the 1970s and spent over 50 years performing in Chicago area stages, including notable roles at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. In 1984, Nussbaum won a Drama Desk Award for his performance in David Mamet’s Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Glengarry Glen Ross.” He continued to act into his 90s, with his portrayal of Albert Einstein in the play “Relativity” being one of his later roles. A private funeral service is planned, with a public memorial service to follow next year.
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