Michael Lerner, who appeared in Elf and Godzilla and was Oscar nominated for Barton Fink, dies at 81

Michael Lerner, a longtime actor known for roles in Godzilla, Elf, and Barton Fink, has died at the age of 81, TMZ reported on Sunday. 

Sam Lerner, who is the actor’s nephew, shared the news Sunday via Instagram.

He wrote, ‘We lost a legend last night. It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me.’

The 30-year-old actor continued in his heartfelt post, ‘His stories always inspired me and made me fall in love with acting.

‘He was the coolest, most confident, talented guy, and the fact that he was my blood will always make me feel special.’ 

RIP: Michael Lerner, a longtime actor known for roles in Godzilla, Elf, and Barton Fink has died at the age of 81, TMZ reported on Sunday

Long career: Michael appeared in movies including Newsies, Harlem Nights, The Mod Squad, Celebrity, and For Richer or Poorer 

Writing to his 117,000 followers on the platform, he went on, ‘Everyone that knows him knows how insane he was— in the best way.’

Sam added, ‘I’m so lucky I got to spend so much time with him, and we’re all lucky we can continue to watch his work for the rest of time.’

He ended the message by writing, ‘RIP Michael, enjoy your unlimited Cuban cigars, comfy chairs, and endless movie marathon.’

Michael left a mark on audiences when he played James Caan’s boss, Fulton, in 2003’s Elf, starring Will Ferrell. 

He also appeared in movies including Newsies, Harlem Nights, The Mod Squad, Celebrity, and For Richer or Poorer. 

The entertainer’s career stretched back to the 70s, and he appeared in The Brady Bunch, MASH, Starsky and Hutch, and The Good Guys.

Other credits include roles in Ironside, The Odd Couple, The Rockford Files, Barnaby Jones, Hill Street Blues, and Melba. 

Tales from the Crypt, Courthouse, Clueless, Kingdom Hospital, Law & Order: SVU, Matumbo Goldberg, and Glee also saw appearances from Michael.

He is survived by his brother Ken Lerner, 74, who is also an actor.

Breaking: Sam Lerner, who is the actor’s nephew, shared the news Sunday via Instagram

Famous role: Lerner is pictured in 1991’s Barton Fink, which earned him an Oscar nomination