Mike Schank, Subject of Documentary ‘American Movie’ and Musician, Dies at 56
variety.comMeredith Woerner Deputy Editor, Variety.com Mike Schank, guitarist, actor, friend and beloved subject of the 1999 documentary “American Movie,” died on Thursday morning, according to the Milwaukee Record.
He was 56. The exceedingly gifted screamer was a highlight from the cult classic directed by Chris Smith. The film followed Wisconsin director Mark Borchardt as he attempted to film his fraught horror movie “Coven.” With a crew made up of friends and family members, just about every part of the production process fell apart, except for Schank, who was always there for his friend.
Schank appeared as an extra, assistant, edit bay buddy and epic storyteller. Schank was also a guitarist and even recorded music for the soundtrack to the documentary.
Besides acting in “Coven,” he would also appear in the 2001 film “Storytelling,” the 2014 pic “Hamlet A.D.D.” and cameo as himself on an episode of “Family Guy.” “American Movie” won the grand jury prize for documentary at the 1999 Sundance Film Festival.
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