Actor in cult favorite 'American Movie' dies at age 53
MILWAUKEE (AP) - Musician Mike Schank, best known for his good guy role in the award-winning documentary film 'œAmerican Movie," has died, according to a close friend. He was 53.
Jackie Bogenberger said Schank had been battling cancer in recent months and died Thursday.
'œAmerican Movie'ť won best documentary at the Sundance Film Festival and became a cult favorite over the years. The 1999 film chronicled the making of the horror short 'œCoven" by independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt, with Schank - Borchardt's best friend - shown in the film supporting Borchardt's filmmaking dream through various challenges.
Schank's deadpan humor and quiet sweetness in 'œMovie'ť - including his honesty about his struggles with alcoholism and gambling addiction - made him a beloved, unforgettable figure. He hilariously provided a bloodcurdling scream for 'œCoven'ť and also composed its music. The 1999's documentary's success led to several opportunities, including a role in the 2001 film 'œStorytelling'ť and a voice cameo as himself on the animated sitcom 'œFamily Guy.'ť
Bogenberger said that throughout his battles with addiction and cancer, Schank remained 'œone of the most kind and selfless human beings this earth was ever blessed with.'ť
Family, friends and others paid tribute on Twitter.
'œLord of the Rings'ť star Elijah Wood called Schank a 'œlegend,'ť adding 'œMike Schank forever.'ť Comedian Patton Oswalt tweeted a simple 'œRIP.'ť Actor Rainn Wilson tweeted, 'œThis is sad. LOVED this wonderful human.'ť
Schank's best friend, Borchardt, simply tweeted: 'œStay strong forever, Mike...'ť.
In August, Schank announced on Twitter that he was 27 years sober.
Roughly three months before Schank's announcement, he began to tell friends and family that he was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer, according to Bogenberger.
Bogenberger said a celebration of life will be held Nov. 12 at the Milwaukee Alano Club, where Schank volunteered for two decades.
___
This story was updated to correct that Schank was 53 years old, not 56, when he died and that he died on Thursday, not Wednesday.