Oscar-winning artist Mike Nichols, who directed screen and stage hits such as The Graduate, Death of a Salesman, and The Odd Couple, died Thursday, ABC News announced.
The 83-year-old husband of journalist Diane Sawyer was one of the rare people to win the "EGOT — an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony in his lifetime," ABC News President James Goldston said.
"He was a true visionary," he added.
ABC News reported:
Nichols was born in Germany in 1931, and came to the United States when he was 7 years old, when his family escaped Nazi Germany. He arrived in America speaking little English, but his enthusiasm for his new country never waned.
He graduated from the Walden School in New York City, and began pursuing theater while attending the University of Chicago in the early 1950s. While studying medicine, he found his true calling – comedy. He joined a comedy troupe in Chicago and teamed up with performer Elaine May. The duo gained national popularity together, cementing their partnership as America's innovative comedy duo.
His other films included Working Girl, The Birdcage, and Charlie Wilson's War. He directed the TV series Angels in America and staged Spamalot on Broadway.
Nichols was honored by the entertainment industry on social media:
Oh, those funless games of Albee's. Brought to cinema by one of the greats. RIP Mike Nichols.
One of the absolute greatest. RIP. Mike Nichols.
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..
Funniest, smartest, most generous, wisest, kindest of all. Mike Nichols, a truly good man
What an incredible loss of the consummate filmmaker Mike Nichols. He made us examine our true humanity. Always.
Mike Nichols wasn't just brilliant, funny, and insanely creative. He was one of the sweetest, kindest gentlest human beings on the planet.
Love and peace to the GREAT Mike Nichols. Another soul has left that will be missed.