Mike Nussbaum, the oldest professional actor in America, passed away on Saturday at his home in Chicago at the age of 99, just days shy of his 100th birthday. Nussbaum, recognized for his dynamic and influential career in Chicago theater, remained active in the industry until his final week.

Nussbaum had been collaborating with his friend B.J. Jones, the artistic director of Northlight Theatre in Skokie, on various projects, including a tribute playlet written by David Mamet called "Pilot's Lounge." The duo quietly toured the piece to different venues, showcasing Nussbaum's talent and dedication to the craft.

B.J. Jones spoke fondly of Nussbaum, stating, "Mike defined an era and style of Chicago acting like no other. I would not be here if it were not for him, and I think that's true of so many others."

In addition to his illustrious acting career, Nussbaum had a remarkable experience during World War II. While serving in the armed forces at the headquarters of the Allied Expeditionary Force, he became the teletypist responsible for transmitting the news of the Nazi surrender in Paris in 1945. Recognizing the historic significance of the moment, Nussbaum signed the cable with both "Eisenhower" and his own name.

Nussbaum's daughter, Karen Nussbaum, shared the news of his passing, attributing it to old age. She described him as a great father and a good man, passionate about acting and committed to shining a light on others. Nussbaum raised three children who shared his values of justice and despised fascism from their youth.

Born in December 1923, Nussbaum grew up in Chicago's Albany Park neighborhood. His theatrical career took off in the 1960s when he joined Robert Sickinger's Hull House theater company on the city's North Side. Despite also working as a pest exterminator, Nussbaum's dedication to acting led him to obtain his Equity card by the 1970s.

It was during this time that Nussbaum encountered a young David Mamet at Second City, subsequently being cast in pivotal roles in two of Mamet's plays, "American Buffalo" and "Glengarry Glen Ross." These performances elevated Nussbaum's career, leading him to Broadway and touring with acclaimed actors like Alec Baldwin.

Known for his natural affinity for Mamet's style and his dignified appearance, Nussbaum captivated audiences with his performances, often providing a contrast to the profanity-laden dialogue associated with Mamet's works.

Barbara Gaines, former artistic director of Chicago Shakespeare Theater and a close friend of Nussbaum, praised his sense of humor, which he maintained until the end. According to Gaines, Nussbaum spent his final hours laughing while reading a book of baseball jokes.

In his later years, Nussbaum expressed annoyance with articles that focused solely on his age instead of the quality of his work. He preferred to be judged based on his performances rather than his advancing years.

While Nussbaum leaves behind a notable film career, including appearances in "Men in Black" and "Field of Dreams," his true passion resided in Chicago's theater scene. His extensive credits spanned several decades, with standout performances in plays such as David Hare's "Racing Demon" and Noah Haidle's "Smokefall" at the Goodman Theatre.

Notably, even well into his 90s, Nussbaum flawlessly performed dramatic roles, thanks to his photographic memory. In 2017, he astounded audiences by portraying Albert Einstein in Northlight Theatre's "Relativity," memorizing hour-long speeches perfectly.

Nussbaum's impact on the Chicago acting community cannot be overstated. His friend and fellow actor, Joe Mantegna, described him as the embodiment of a Chicago actor. Throughout his career, Nussbaum connected intense realism and improvisational comedy, mentoring actors who would go on to transform not just American theater, but also movies and television.

Survived by his second wife, Julie Nussbaum, and children Jack Nussbaum and Karen Nussbaum, as well as seven grandchildren, Nussbaum leaves a lasting legacy as one of Chicago's greatest and most beloved stage performers.

As news spread of Nussbaum's passing, tributes poured in from the theater community, honoring his contributions and celebrating a life dedicated to art. Nussbaum's extraordinary talent, his commitment to justice, and his unwavering sense of humor will forever be remembered by those who had the privilege of experiencing his performances.