Hollywood Mourns Mike Nichols After His Sudden Death
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The award-winning director and husband of Diane Sawyer suddenly passed away at the age 83 on Wednesday, November 19.

AceShowbiz - Mike Nichols, the award-winning director who was married to ABC news anchor Diane Sawyer, died suddenly on Wednesday evening, November 19 at the age of 83. James Goldston, president of ABC News, announced the sad news on Thursday morning.

"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," James said in a statement, "No one was more passionate about his craft than Mike."

Shortly after the announcement of his death, Hollywood icons including Meryl Streep, Julia Roberts, Tom Hanks and fellow director Steven Spielberg paid tribute to the late director. Meryl, who starred in Mike's productions including "Silkwood" and "Angels in America", said in a statement, "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."

Julia, who worked with Mike in "Charlie Wilson's War" and "Closer", called him her "most cherished" friend. "His musing were like pearls, his jokes were timeless and perfectly placed, his stories - detailed and wholly entertaining, his warm embrace was where you wanted to live forever."

Tom, who was Julia's co-star in "Charlie Wilson's War", said, " '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 so."

Steven remembered Mike in a statement, writing, "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 was always the center of gravity. This is a seismic loss."

Other celebrities took to social media to mourn the late director. Kevin Spacey tweeted, "Mike Nichols gave me my start. A mentor, friend, colleague. One of the best observers of life. My thoughts are with Diane & his children." Tony Goldwyn wrote, "RIP #MikeNichols What a gigantic loss!!! The greatest of the great." Mia Farrow, meanwhile, posted, "Funniest, smartest, most generous, wisest, kindest of all. Mike Nichols, a truly good man."

Julianne Moore tweeted "So very sad to hear of Mike Nichols death. A great talent, a wonderful, bright, charming human being." Zachary Quinto instagrammed a photo of Mike along with caption, "We've lost a tremendous artist. an arbiter of exquisite taste. a kind and generous man. a mind beyond compare. a heart full of unmitigated joy for life and art. you will be deeply missed sir. rest in peace." Taylor Schilling wrote, "RIP #MikeNichols Legend in real time."

Hugh Jackman, Ben Stiller and Ellen DeGeneres also paid tribute to Mike via Twitter. Hugh wrote, "We lost the legendary Mike Nichols today. A pioneer of stage and film. A true visionary and a friend." Ben tweeted, "Mike Nichols leaves behind a staggering body of work. He's one of the best filmmakers and stage directors ever. Influenced everyone. #GENIUS." Ellen, meanwhile, posted, "Mike Nichols was a brilliant director, actor, and husband. Sending love to my friend @DianeSawyer."

Mike is survived by his wife, children Daisy, Max and Jenny, and four grandchildren. He will be honored by the Broadway community on Friday, November 21 with the marquees of Broadway theaters being dimmed for a minute at 7:45 P.M.

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