Legendary director Mike Nichols died suddenly at age 83 on Wednesday, Nov. 19, leaving behind an impressive legacy and body of work, including beloved films like The Graduate, Working Girl, The Remains of the Day, Silkwood, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf, all of which were nominated for Academy Awards.
The husband of famed journalist Diane Sawyer, Nichols was one of an elite few EGOT winners, having earned two Emmys (for Angels in America and Wit), a Grammy (for his comedy album An Evening With Mike Nichols and Elaine May), an Oscar (for The Graduate), and several Tonys (for Barefoot in the Park, Death of a Salesman, and Spamalot, among others).
After news of his death broke early Thursday morning, Nov. 20, tributes from his colleagues in Hollywood began to pop up on Twitter. Us Weekly has rounded up a few of them below. (We’ll update this post as more pour in.)
Natalie Portman: “There’s nothing good enough I can write that would do Mike justice,” the actress told Us Weekly in a statement. “He was the one who had the best words, the right hug for hard times, the funny comment to diffuse your pain. He saved me again and again. He was the best way to be a person and an artist. And the most, most fun. I send my deepest love to Diane, Jenny, Max, Daisy and their children, who filled his days with light.”
Steve Carell
So sad to hear about the death of Mike Nichols. He was a creative giant.
— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) November 20, 2014
Connie Britton
Thank you Mike Nichols. And here’s to you Mrs. Robinson. RIP
— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) November 20, 2014
Jeremy Piven
The great Mike Nichols is gone, he gave us so much brilliant work it’s staggering. We were so lucky to have him, his legacy will live on..
— Jeremy Piven (@jeremypiven) November 20, 2014
Tony Goldwyn
RIP #MikeNichols What a gigantic loss!!! The greatest of the great.
— Tony Goldwyn (@tonygoldwyn) November 20, 2014
George Stephanopoulos
Celebrating Mike Nichols-extraordinary funny & wise man- Tom Stoppard said it:“the best of America” Our thoughts w/ @dianesawyer &his family
— GeorgeStephanopoulos (@GStephanopoulos) November 20, 2014
Katie Couric
So sad to learn of the death of Mike Nichols. My heart goes out to Diane, their families & everyone who marveled at his brilliance.
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) November 20, 2014
Ron Howard
So sad to learn of the death of Mike Nichols. My heart goes out to Diane, their families & everyone who marveled at his brilliance.
— Katie Couric (@katiecouric) November 20, 2014
Mia Farrow
Funniest, smartest, most generous, wisest, kindest of all. Mike Nichols, a truly good man
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 20, 2014
Jason Robert Brown
I’ve never seen any evidence to the contrary, so I’ll say that no one was smarter or better at making theatre come alive than Mike Nichols.
— Jason Robert Brown (@MrJasonRBrown) November 20, 2014
Audra McDonald
I’m absolutely heartbroken. RIP Mike Nichols. I love you.
— Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) November 20, 2014
Ben Stiller
Mike Nichols leaves behind a staggering body of work. He’s one of the best filmmakers and stage directors ever. Influenced everyone. #GENIUS
— Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) November 20, 2014
John Leguizamo
#mikeNichols R.I.P what a genius. I feel so privileged he came to the premiere of @ghettoKlown! I was floored and honored. He will b missed!
— John Leguizamo (@JohnLeguizamo) November 20, 2014
Elizabeth Perkins
What an incredible loss of the consummate filmmaker Mike Nichols. He made us examine our true humanity. Always. pic.twitter.com/h2Nfo2Guos
— Elizabeth Perkins (@Elizbethperkins) November 20, 2014
John Mulaney
The last track on “Nichols and May Examine Doctors” “Nichols and May at Work.” The best comedy moment on tape. RIP Mike Nichols.
— John Mulaney (@mulaney) November 20, 2014
Julianne Moore
So very sad to hear of Mike Nichols death. A great talent, a wonderful, bright, charming human being.
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) November 20, 2014
Kevin Spacey
Mike Nichols gave me my start. A mentor, friend, colleague. One of the best observers of life. My thoughts are with Diane & his children.
— Kevin Spacey (@KevinSpacey) November 20, 2014
Hugh Jackman
We lost the legendary Mike Nichols today. A pioneer of stage and film. A true visionary and a friend.
— Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 20, 2014
