Michael Lerner (Brooklyn, June 22, 1941 – Burbank, April 8, 2023) was an American actor. A noted and prolific character actor, his career spanned over five decades across film, television, and theater. His most famous and acclaimed performance is that of movie mogul Jack Lipnick in the Coen brothers' film *Barton Fink* (1991), a role that earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. With his commanding presence, he often specialized in roles as authoritarian characters, businessmen, or imposing figures. His extensive filmography includes appearances in highly successful productions such as *Eight Men Out* (1988), *Godzilla* (1998), and the Christmas comedy *Elf* (2003), as well as numerous appearances in television series such as *Glee* and *Entourage*, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and reliable actor in the Hollywood landscape.