Director Mike Nichols, known for his legendary work in TV, film, and Broadway, passed away suddenly at the age of 83 Wednesday evening (November 19th) due to cardiac arrest.
His death was announced in a statement by ABC News President James Goldston.
“He was a true visionary, winning the highest honors in the arts for his work as a director, writer, producer and comic and was one of a tiny few to win the EGOT-an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony in his lifetime,” Goldston said in the statement. “No one was more passionate about his craft than Mike.” Goldston added.
Mike Nichols was born Michael Igor Peschkowsky in Berlin in 1931, and got his start as a stage performer before becoming a legendary director. Nichols was known for directing iconic films such as Silkwood, Charlie Wilson’s War, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?, Carnal Knowledge, and The Graduate, for which he won an Oscar for best director in 1967. Nichols won Emmys for Wit and Angels in America. He was also known for directing musicals on Broadway including Spamalot, which won Nichols one of his sixth Tony Awards.
In addition to his extraordinary work, Nichols co-founded the Chicago-based comedy troupe Second City in the 1950s, which honored comedians including John Belushi and Bill Murray.
Nichols is survived by his wife and former “ABC World News” anchor Diane Sawyer, his children Daisy, Max and Jenny, and four grandchildren.
Celebrities and fans post their tributes on Twitter after hearing the news of Nichols sudden death:
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
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
Funniest, smartest, most generous, wisest, kindest of all. Mike Nichols, a truly good man
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 20, 2014
