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Mike Schank, best known for his role in the 1999 cult classic documentary American Movie, passed away Thursday morning (Oct. 13) at age 56. The Milwaukee Record reports that Schank was recently undergoing radiation and chemotherapy for Stage 4 cancer.
The musician and actor was a member of the local sobriety program, MKE Alano Club, and was celebrating 27 years of sobriety. In addition to American Movie, Schank voiced himself in an episode of Family Guy and appeared in a multitude of independent films, including Small Change and Slaughter Weekend. He stuck close to his American Movie pal, Mark Borchardt, whose making-of his independent horror film Coven was the subject of the documentary. Schank served as an extra, assistant, and supportive best friend for the low-budget film, and composed music for the documentary. Since then, Schank and Borchardt have both starred in Black Licorice, Through the Eye Root, and Britney, Baby, One More Time.
Following Schank’s passing, many filmmakers and comedians took to social media to remember his kind-hearted legacy. Academy Award-winning filmmaker Taika Waiti wrote, “RIP Mike Schank. I didn’t know this guy but man was he a cool friend. Let’s all watch #AmericanMovie this weekend – one of the all time great docs and super inspiring if you love film-making and film-makers.”
Filmmaker and actor Mark Duplass said Schank taught others “how to be a good friend.”
“RIP Mike Schank, the sweet funny soul at the heart of the extraordinary doc ‘American Movie’. Me, Simon & Nick were obsessed with it and since they included Mike’s home number on the DVD extras, we called him from London one night,” tweeted Shaun of the Dead and Baby Driver director Edgar Wright. “If you’ve never seen it, please do immediately.”
The Secret Life of Pets writer Brian Lynch said, “Just read that AMERICAN MOVIE’s Mike Schank has passed away. He seemed like one of the most likable people ever. Here’s hoping Heaven has unlimited scratch-offs.”
Lord of the Rings actor Elijah Wood wrote, “What a legend. Mike Schank forever,” and comedian Patton Oswalt shared a video of his favorite American Movie scene.
