Michael Lerner as Sen. Brickman in X-Men: Days of Future Past {image via 20th Century Fox}

Oscar-winning actor Michael Lerner has passed away at the age of 81. No cause of death was given in the announcement.

Lerner’s nephew, “The Goldbergs” actor Sam Lerner, confirmed his death in an Instagram post Sunday. A cause of death was not given.

“We lost a legend last night,” Sam wrote alongside a series of remembrance photos of Lerner. “It’s hard to put into words how brilliant my uncle Michael was, and how influential he was to me. 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.”

Michael Lerner was nominated for an Oscar for best supporting actor as Jack Lipnick in Barton Fink (1991). SciFi.Radio fans are likely to remember him as Mayor Ebert in the reboot of Godzilla (1991), Senator Brickman in X-Men: Days of Future Past (2014, and/or Mr. Greenway in Elf (2003). He reprised the role of Mayor Ebert in the animated Godzilla: The Series. He played Leo in Alex in Wonderland (1970). He portrayed Earl Knight in Omen IV: The Reckoning(1991). In Tale of the Mummy (1998) Lerner played Professor Marcus. He was Mr. Channing in My Favorite Martian (1999),

Awards and Nominations

He won the LA Indie Film Fest’s LAIFF Award in 2016, or technically, co-won for Best Ensemble Cast for American Bred. He won the Los Angeles Film Critics Assocation Award for Best Supporting Actor in 1991 for Barton Fink; he was also nominated for an Academy Award for the same role. The North ollywood Cinefest nominated him for Best Actor for American Bred (2016).

Michael Lerner’s hobbies included collecting rare books, Cuban cigars, and playing poker. He’ll be missed by all.

Born June 22, 1941 in New York City, NY, USA, Michael Lerner was a lifelong bachelor. He is survived by his brother Ken Lerner (Principal Bob Flutie in Buffy, the Vampire Slayer), his nephew Sam Lerner (Chowder in Monster House), and his niece Jenny Lerner (Becky in Flashbangers.). Our condolences to them, may his memory be a blessing.

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