Mike Nussbaum, the esteemed Chicago stage actor known for his roles in films such as ‘Field of Dreams,’ has died at the age of 99 at his Chicago home. His daughter, Karen Nussbaum, confirmed that he passed away of old age on Saturday, just days before his 100th birthday.
Describing her father, Karen Nussbaum stated, “He was a good father and a good man who raised us to care about other people, respect other people, and care about justice.”
Mike Nussbaum had been recognized by the Actor’s Equity Association union multiple times in recent years as the oldest professional actor in the country. When asked about his continued work as a nonagenarian, Nussbaum expressed his joy in the work, stating, “I am gifted and lucky to still be able to do the thing that is the most fun for me in life. As long as I can do it, I will.”
Born in December 1923 in Chicago’s Albany Park neighborhood, Nussbaum initially engaged in acting during summer camps but did not pursue it full-time until his 40s, having worked as an exterminator for a period. He received his Equity card in the 1970s.
With a career spanning over 50 years, Nussbaum graced stages in the Chicago area, including notable performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. His roles included Shylock in a 2005 production of “The Merchant of Venice” and Gremio in “The Taming of the Shrew.”
In 1984, he earned a Drama Desk Award for his role in David Mamet’s “Glengarry Glen Ross,” a Pulitzer Prize-winning play. Nussbaum collaborated with Mamet on multiple occasions throughout his career.
Despite primarily being a stage actor, Nussbaum’s film credits include portraying a school principal in “Field of Dreams” and playing Gentle Rosenberg in “Men in Black,” where his head opens to reveal a small alien creature during a pivotal scene.
A private funeral service is planned, with a public memorial service scheduled for the coming year.
