Mike Nichols remembered by Hollywood and more
Hollywood is mourning the loss of producer/director Mike Nichols who died Wednesday at age 83.
Nichols was behind such hits as "The Graduate," "Angels in America" and "Monty Python's Spamalot" and was one of the few EGOT winners -- taking home an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and a Tony during his five-decade career.
"An inspiration and joy to know, a director who cried when he laughed, a friend without whom, well, we can't imagine our world, an indelible irreplaceable man," said Meryl Streep.
Tom Stoppard released the following statement: "Everyone who was close to Mike has suffered a loss which cannot be repaired, ever. To have been his friend was a blessing. To have worked with him was both a privilege and the best of times. He was my hero."
"'Forward. We must always move forward. Otherwise what will become of us?' said Mike Nichols, who changed the lives of those who knew him, who loved him, who will miss him," said Tom Hanks.
Steven Spielberg remembered Nichols in a statement (per The Hollywood Reporter), "Mike was a friend, a muse, a mentor, one of America's all time greatest film and stage directors, and one of the most generous people I have ever known. For me, 'The Graduate' was life altering -- both as an experience at the movies as well as a master class about how to stage a scene. Mike had a brilliant cinematic eye and uncanny hearing for keeping scenes ironic and real. Actors never gave him less than their personal best -- and then Mike would get from them even more. And in a room full of people, Mike was always the center of gravity. This is a seismic loss."
See what others have to say about the loss:
RIP the Great Mike Nichols - elite member of the pantheon of directors whether stage screen or tv. Any conversation was rich w/wit & wisdom
— Ron Howard (@RealRonHoward) November 20, 2014
R.I.P. Mike Nichols - one of the greats.
— Joshua Malina (@JoshMalina) November 20, 2014
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
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
So very sad to hear of Mike Nichols death. A great talent, a wonderful, bright, charming human being.
— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) November 20, 2014
We lost one of the greats. http://t.co/guYeIPPgRP
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) November 20, 2014
Mike Nichols had no wheelhouse, he invented the wheel. RIP.
— Michael Urie (@michaelurie) November 20, 2014
#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
RIP #MikeNichols
Legend in real time.
— Taylor Schilling (@TaySchilling) November 20, 2014
One of the absolute greatest. RIP. Mike Nichols.
— kerry washington (@kerrywashington) November 20, 2014
Thank you Mike Nichols. And here's to you Mrs. Robinson. RIP
— Connie Britton (@conniebritton) November 20, 2014
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