Michael Lerner was born on June 22, 1941 in Brooklyn, New York, USA. He is an actor, known for Barton Fink (1991), Godzilla (1998) and Elf (2003) Began his acting career in the late 1960s at the American Conservatory Theater in San Francisco. Studied for two years at the London Academy of Music and Dramatic Art. Has a Master's Degree in English drama from UCLA. Has the distinction of three different connections to the Kennedy dynasty in terms of his portrayals. He has played Jack Ruby in Ruby and Oswald (1978), former press secretary to JFK, Pierre Salinger in The Missiles of October (1974) and Jimmy Hoffa's attorney in Blood Feud (1983). Uncle of Sam Lerner. Uncle of Jenny Lerner. Was considered for the role of Jack Cates in 48 Hrs.