Beloved stage and screen actor Mike Nussbaum passes away at 99

Mike Nussbaum, celebrated for his enduring stage career and memorable film roles in classics like "Field of Dreams" and "Men in Black," passed away at 99 at his Chicago home on Saturday, just days shy of his 100th birthday. His daughter, Karen Nussbaum, confirmed the news, stating that Nussbaum died of old age. The Actor's Equity Association union recognized the veteran actor as the oldest professional actor in the United States, a title he held for several years.

Born in December 1923 in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood, Mike Nussbaum initially discovered his passion for acting in summer camps. Still, he didn't pursue it full-time until his 40s, having worked as an exterminator. With a prolific career spanning over 50 years, Nussbaum left an indelible mark on the Chicago theater scene, notably with performances at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater.

His notable roles included Shylock in "The Merchant of Venice" and Gremio in "The Taming of the Shrew." Despite primarily being a stage actor, Nussbaum's film credits include roles in "Field of Dreams" and "Men in Black," where he portrayed Gentle Rosenberg.

 Nussbaum received a Drama Desk Award in 1984 for his performance in David Mamet's "Glengarry Glen Ross," a play that also won a Pulitzer Prize that year. Even into his 90s, Nussbaum continued to captivate audiences with roles such as Albert Einstein in the play "Relativity" at Northlight Theatre in 2017. His friend and colleague, B.J. Jones, praised Nussbaum's authenticity, noting that his genius lay in his ability to convey truth seamlessly on stage. A private funeral service is planned, with a public memorial service scheduled for the coming year.