Mike Nichols has died.
The acclaimed filmmaker passed away due to a cardiac arrest on Wednesday (19.11.14) at the age of 83, an ABC spokesperson has announced.
The Hollywood icon won the Academy Award for Best Director in 1968 for the movie ‘The Graduate’, and was also renowned for working on ‘Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?’, ‘Working Girl’ and his final film, 2007’s ‘Charlie Wilson’s War’.
As well as being known for his film work, Mike also staged the original theatrical productions of ‘Barefoot in the Park’ and ‘Spamalot’, and released three best-selling comedy albums with Elaine May under the name Nichols and May.
His range of talents means Mike was one of only 12 stars to have won all four of the major American entertainment awards – an Emmy, Tony, Oscar and Grammy.
Tributes for the late director have been pouring in on Twitter, with Mia Farrow being amongst stars to remember the icon.
She tweeted: "Funniest, smartest, most generous, wisest, kindest of all. Mike Nichols, a truly good man"
Jeffrey Wright – who acted in the HBO mini-series ‘Angels in America’ which was directed by Mike – added: " Sad to hear of Mike Nichols passing – eternal in his gifts to American culture: "Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?" to "Angels." Dues paid. (sic)"
Mike is survived by his fourth wife, ABC World News anchor Diane Sawyer, who he wed in 1988, and three children Daisy, Max and Jenny Nichols, from two of his previous marriages. It is believed he will be laid to rest in a small, private service at some point this week, followed by a memorial to be announced at a later date.
The Graduate director Mike Nichols dies
