Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Barton Fink,” released in 1991, is the film Lerner is most remembered for. "I had auditioned for Joel and Ethan before, for Miller’s Crossing.

But he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the wily studio executive Jack Lipnick in the 1991 film "Barton Fink." ...

Michael Lerner, who appeared in “Elf,” “Godzilla” and “X-Men: Days of Future Past,” and earned an Oscar nomination for 1991’s “Barton Fink,” has died.

Michael Lerner, a veteran character actor who received an Oscar nomination for his performance in the 1991 film "Barton Fink," has died. He was 81.

Joel and Ethan Coen’s “Barton Fink,” released in 1991, is the film Lerner is most remembered for. “I had auditioned for Joel and Ethan before, for Miller’s Crossing.

But he is perhaps best known for his portrayal of the wily studio executive Jack Lipnick in the 1991 film "Barton Fink." ...