archytele The Vault

Mike Nussbaum

Acting Born Dec 29, 1923 Died Dec 23, 2023 Chicago, Illinois, USA 39 credits
39
Total Credits
1969–2021
53 Years Career Span
17
Vault Titles
10
Key Co-Stars

Biography

Mike Nussbaum was an American actor and director born on December 29, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on December 23, 2023, at the age of 99. He began his acting career in the 1950s and became known for performing in numerous David Mamet plays on and off Broadway as well as in Chicago. His film credits include roles in Field of Dreams (1989) and Men in Black (1997). Nussbaum earned a Drama Desk Award in 1984 for his Broadway performance in Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross and a Jeff Award in 1997 for portraying Reverend Lionel Espy in David Hare’s Racing Demon. As a director he worked on the 2002 production Where Have You Gone, Jimmy Stewart? by Art Shay and also appeared in local Chicago television commercials.

Advertisement
Career

Career overview

Mike Nussbaum was born on December 29, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on December 23, 2023, at the age of ninety‑nine. He began his acting career in the 1950s and became a prominent figure in both stage and screen productions. Nussbaum appeared in numerous David Mamet plays, performing on and off Broadway as well as in Chicago venues. His Broadway work included a role in Mamet’s Glengarry Glen Ross, for which he received a Drama Desk Award in 1984. In addition to his stage work, he acted in feature films, with credited roles in Field of Dreams (1989) and Men In Black (1997). His theatrical achievements were further recognized in 1997 when he earned a Jeff Award for his portrayal of Reverend Lionel Espy in David Hare’s Racing Demon.

Beyond acting, Nussbaum also directed, notably overseeing the production of Where Have You Gone, Jimmy Stewart? (2002), a work by photographer Art Shay. He was a familiar face in local Chicago television advertising, appearing in commercials for the region’s Northwes market. Over the course of his career, he accumulated thirty‑nine credited performances, establishing a lasting legacy in American theatre and film.

Ask the Vault

Ask anything about Mike Nussbaum.

Frequent co-stars

Career timeline

Three Short Plays by Tracy LettsSmokefall
Tom of Your Life
The Chicago Code
Osso Bucco
Family
The Game of Their Lives
flying
The Con
Men in Black
Early EditionShadow of a Doubt
Losing IsaiahSteal Big Steal Little
FrasierThe X-FilesClass of '96
The Water EngineCondition: CriticalOverexposed
The CommishBrooklyn BridgeSeparate but EqualSeparate but Equal
Desperate HoursArchie: To Riverdale and Back Again
Field of Dreams
Things Change
Fatal AttractionHouse of GamesFatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery
L.A. LawVital Signs
The EqualizerSpenser: For Hire
Towing
Harry and Tonto
T.R. Baskin
The Monitors

Full Filmography

39 titles
  • Three Short Plays by Tracy Letts (2021) as Landy
  • Smokefall (2021) as Colonel
  • Tom of Your Life (2020) as Father McMurphy
  • The Chicago Code (2011) as Judge
  • Osso Bucco (2008) as Uncle Sil
  • Family (2006) as Great-Great Uncle
  • The Game of Their Lives (2005) as Johnny Abruzzo
  • flying (2002) as Paul
  • The Con (1998) as Harry
  • Men in Black (1997) as Gentle Rosenburg
  • Early Edition (1996) as Yuri Rosanova
  • Shadow of a Doubt (1996) as Nate Golden
  • Losing Isaiah (1995) as Dr. Jamison
  • Steal Big Steal Little (1995) as Sam Barlow
  • Frasier (1993) as Owner
  • The X-Files (1993) as Dr. Charles Goldstein
  • Class of '96 (1993)
  • The Water Engine (1992) as Mr. Wallace
  • Condition: Critical (1992) as Dr. Burton Langhern
  • Overexposed (1992) as Bob Davis
  • The Commish (1991) as Ben Metzger
  • Brooklyn Bridge (1991)
  • Separate but Equal (1991) as Justice Felix Frankfurter
  • Separate but Equal (1991) as Supreme Court Justice Felix Frankfurter
  • Desperate Hours (1990) as Mr. Nelson
  • Archie: To Riverdale and Back Again (1990) as 'Pop' Tate
  • Field of Dreams (1989) as Principal
  • Things Change (1988) as Mr. Green
  • Fatal Attraction (1987) as Bob Drimmer
  • House of Games (1987) as Joey
  • Fatal Confession: A Father Dowling Mystery (1987) as Dr. Sidney Canfield
  • L.A. Law (1986) as Henry Sutter
  • Vital Signs (1986) as Mike
  • The Equalizer (1985) as Harry Dawson
  • Spenser: For Hire (1985)
  • Towing (1978) as Phil
  • Harry and Tonto (1974) as Old Age Home Clerk
  • T.R. Baskin (1971) as Office Manager
  • The Monitors (1969) as Exercise Chief

Frequently Asked Questions

What movies or TV shows is Mike Nussbaum best known for?

Mike Nussbaum is widely recognized for notable roles and projects including Men in Black (1997), The Last Metro (1980), Frasier (1993), The X-Files (1993).

When and where was Mike Nussbaum born?

Mike Nussbaum was born on December 29, 1923 in Chicago, Illinois, USA. They passed away on December 23, 2023.

How many credits does Mike Nussbaum have?

Mike Nussbaum has accumulated over 39 film and television credits across a career spanning from 1969 to 2021.

What is Mike Nussbaum's background in cinema and television?

Mike Nussbaum was an American actor and director born on December 29, 1923, in Chicago, Illinois, and died on December 23, 2023, at the age of 99. He began his acting career in the 1950s and became known for performing in numerous David Mamet plays on and off Broadway as well as in Chicago. His film credits include rol...