Milwaukee musician, Mike Schank was a co-star in the 1999 documentary American Movie. He also played himself in an episode of Family Guy. Besides making TV appearances, he also hosted a national television special, Night of the Living Dead: LIVE from Wisconsin.
Sadly, the American guitarist and actor revealed some time back that he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. This came shortly after he shared that he was celebrating 27 years of sobriety on Twitter. On October 13, 2022, it was announced that Mike Schank died in his mother’s arms in Wisconsin.
Mike Schank’s Biography
Born on March 1st, 1966, Mike Schank was raised in Milwaukee, Wisconsin alongside his sister Kate. His full name is Mikel Joseph Schank. He attended Custer High school.
He started playing guitar at the age of 6 when his uncle, Richie gifted him one. Since then, he continued to pursue his music career. However, he became popular as an actor first.
His breakout role came in the early 2000s when he appeared in American Movie alongside his friend and colleague, Mark Borchardt. He also featured in the 2001 Todd Solondz film Storytelling. The guitarist also played himself in an episode of Family Guy (2006).
Mike Schank also helped Mark Borchardt make the short film Coven. Later on, the two friends produced their own series on Zero TV, Mark, and Mike and in 2006, they hosted a national television special titled Night of the Living Dead: LIVE from Wisconsin on Halloween night.
As a musician, he recorded an album, Songs I Know in 2000. It is worthy of note that Mike composed all the music in the film about Borchardt’s life. Some of the tracks in his album include:
- Songs I Know
- Dreams I Know-Yesternight
- Classical Songs I know
As an actor, Mike Schank starred in the following:
- China Test Girls (2017)
- Hamlet A.D.D (2014)
- Slaughter Weekend (2010)
- Small Change (2010)
- Modus Operandi (2009)
- Britney, Baby, One More Time (2002)
Aside from his musical and acting career, he was also a member of the MKE Alano Club, a sobriety and recovery club. There are reports that he was the Foundation of the Alano Club and helped many people become sobers.
Who is Mike Schank’s Wife?
During an interview in 2009, Mike mentioned that he would love to be having fun with his wife in the sun in five years’ time. Nevertheless, he never mentioned if he actually had a wife or not.
While his wife is not known, it is certain that Mike Schank had a very close friend, Jackie Bogenberger.
What Happened to the American Guitarist?
In June 2022, Mike revealed via a Facebook post that he was diagnosed with a rare type of cancer. He added that it first started in his esophagus and later, it spread to his liver and lungs and also other parts of his body.
In addition to that, the guitarist said it was already on stage 4 and the doctors said they can’t cure him. However, he was undergoing treatment in other to get the sickness under control. The cancer was being controlled through radiation and chemotherapy.
Aside from battling cancer, Schank struggled with addiction at some point in his life. Prior to addressing his health issues, he shared with his followers on Twitter that he was celebrating 27 years of being sober.
According to reports, a friend of the American musician revealed on social media that he died in his mother’s arms in the early hours of October 13, 2022. The friend also added that Mike had earlier traveled to see his family although he was not feeling too well.
Read Also: Art Laboe: Cause Of Death, Wife, And Other Facts
Quick Facts about Mike Schank
- He had his first gig in January 1999 at the Sundance Film Festival. After the performance, he was interviewed by Playboy magazine
- Mike Schank’s weirdest fan encounter was signing a fan’s butt cheek
- His style of music was described as a quintessential solo guitarist of the 21st century deeply rooted in many styles including rock, classical, and metal.
- The American musician’s favorite cover song in his live show was Metallica’s Fight Fire With Fire
- Aside from playing guitar, Schank also loved reading. One of his books was Live to Tell by Father Zef Pllumi.
Mike Schank has been described as a very friendly and humble person. Following his death, many of his friends have come out to share heart-warming messages, sympathizing with his family and fans. While very little is known about his personal life, it is well-known that the musician struggled with addiction alongside battling cancer. Moreso, Mike Schank was not the only musician that battled with drug addiction and Alcoholism and became sober. Some of them include Shania Twain and Eminem.
