The famous guitarist and actor Mike Schank passed away this week. He was best known for being a co-star in the 1999 documentary “American Movie.” Read on to learn how did Mike Schank die, what happened to him, and what was the cause of his death.
The well-known documentary was a highlight from the cult classic directed by Chris Smith. It followed Wisconsin director of Mark Borchardt as he tried filming the fraught horror movie “Coven.” The entire crew was made up of family members and friends.
Who was Mike Schank?
Mike Schank was an American musician and actor, and a close friend of independent filmmaker Mark Borchardt. Schank appeared in Borchardt’s short film “Coven” and also appeared in his documentary “American Movie.” Schank also produced music for the same.
“American Movie” won the grand jury prize for documentary at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival but both Schank and Borchardt returned to the fest in 2002. Alongside being a terrific actor and staff member, Schank was also a guitarist.
Born in 1966 as Mikel Joseph Schank, Schank also appeared in the 2001 film “Storytelling,” and 2014’s “Hamlet A.D.D” and had a cameo in an episode of “Family Guy” where he played himself.
How did Mike Schank die?
Mike Schank died on Thursday, October 13, 2022, early morning in the arms of his mother. He was 56 years old. His friend, Jackie Bogenberger, announced and confirmed the tragic news of Schank’s death to The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel.
Jackie wrote on social media, “He was just always there, every single day.” She went on to reveal that Mike Schank was recently diagnosed with cancer. However, she didn’t say what type of cancer it was and if Mike was getting treatment for the same.
You can take a look at her long and emotional post here:
What was the cause of Mike Schank’s death?
Mike Schank died after having a battle with cancer as revealed by his friend Jackie Bogenberger. However, she didn’t reveal what sort of cancer Mike was struggling with. We’re trying to reach out to Jackie to have more information about this.
Netizens are speculating that Mike had either liver or lung cancer as he previously struggled with alcohol and drug addiction. However, nothing is certain at this time and you shouldn’t believe anything without a credible source.
Very sad to hear Mike Schank passed away. American Movie is one of my favorite films. I feel the need to express what a loveable guy he seemed to be. Also he’s been 27 years clean and sober which is inspiring that you could always move on from your past. He’ll be missed.
— Cinemassacre (@cinemassacre) October 14, 2022
Tributes Emerge for Mike Schank Following his Demise
Fans and friends are paying tributes to Mike Schank following his sudden and unexpected demise. Schank passed away this Thursday and it started a series of Tweets and posts remembering him as a good friend and a talented guy.
Mike Schank’s obituary is not set and the funeral arrangements are pending at this time. We’ll update this section later when more information is released. Schank is survived by his mother, other family members, and lots of friends he made throughout his prolific life.
Our deepest condolences go out to them. May God let his soul rest in peace.