Mike Nichols passed away at the age of 83.
He was one of the greats. A winner of an Oscar, Emmy, Grammy, and Tony. Very few people can say that.
And of course, he became famous right here in Chicago. First with the comedy group that became Second City. And then as half of Nichols and May. Here's an example of those two in action. Very smart, very snappy comedy. You may not know the issues they are talking about (in this case the Quiz show scandal), but the comedy is still somehow timeless.
Of course Nichols went on to become a great film director. I loved several of his movies, but this one for me, is his masterpiece. I saw it for the first time when I was 11. I've seen it many times since, and it's a different movie every time because it speaks to multiple generations.
I didn't even realize he directed so many great films, including "Who's Afraid of Virginia Wolf", "Taming of the Shrew" (with Elizabeth Taylor & Richard Burton), "Catch 22", "Carnal Knowledge", "Silkwood", "Working Girl", "The Birdcage", "Primary Colors" and "Charlie Wilson's War". Pretty darn impressive.
The last few years he was known as Diane Sawyer's husband.
He was clearly much more than that.
