Meryl Streep, Tom Hanks, and more reflect on the life of Mike Nichols

By The Associated Press

In a career that spanned over six decades across all entertainment genres, Mike Nichols collaborated with and influenced an array of show business legends. Here, friends and peers remember Nichols, who died Wednesday at 83:

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“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.” —”Heartburn,” ”Silkwood,” ”Angels in America,” and “Postcards from the Edge” star Meryl Streep, in a statement.

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“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. He was my most cherished friend.” —”Closer,” and “Charlie Wilson’s War” star Julia Roberts, in a statement to “The Hollywood Reporter.”

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“‘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.” —”Charlie Wilson’s War” star Tom Hanks, in a statement.

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“I can think of no better way to describe this extraordinary human being than to call him a masterpiece… He leaves a huge void in all of our hearts.” —Nancy Reagan, in a statement.

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“He had so much more to give. One of the great honours of my career was being chosen by Mike to play Major Major Major in ‘Catch-22.”’_Bob Newhart, in a statement to “The Hollywood Reporter”

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“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 centre of gravity.” —Steven Spielberg, in a statement.

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“Mike Nichols gave me my start. A mentor, friend, colleague. One of the best observers of life.” —Kevin Spacey, whose first film role was in “Heartburn,” on Twitter.

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“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.” —”The Real Thing” playwright Tom Stoppard, in a statement.

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“He made me feel as though I were a full partner or co-conspirator in finding clues to solve the puzzle; like a really slow Dr. Watson.” —”What Planet Are You From?” star John Goodman in a statement.

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“To act for him on camera was to glide on a liquid film of intelligence.” —”Catch-22″ and “Carnal Knowledge’s” Art Garfunkel, who contributed to “The Graduate” soundtrack, in a statement to “Billboard.”

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“My dear friend of 47 years. I love and admire Mike Nichols.” —Paul Simon, who contributed to “The Graduate” soundtrack, in a statement.

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“Actors loved working with him; his loyal crew spent decades with him.” —Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay in a statement.

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“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, on Twitter.

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“He directed me in ‘Primary Colors.’ His talent was inimitable & I loved working with him.” —Larry King, on Twitter.

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“Everyone who knew Mike Nichols at all had this in common. (And this is hard truth.) We felt blessed for every moment we spent with him.” —James L. Brooks, on Twitter.

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My heart goes out to Diane, their families & everyone who marveled at his brilliance.” —Katie Couric, on Twitter.

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“Mike Nichols is at the back of Death’s bus, smiling wryly, wondering what’s next as he rides into the ether.” —Patton Oswalt, on Twitter.

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