ENTERTAINMENT

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

The Associated Press Published Thursday, November 20, 2014 12:31PM EST Last Updated Thursday, November 20, 2014 2:28PM EST

Television journalist Diane Sawyer and her husband, film director Mike Nichols, pose together at the Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' 13th Annual Hall of Fame induction ceremonies, in this Nov. 1, 1997 file photo taken in the North Hollywood section of Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Chris Pizzello, File)

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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 Thursday 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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"'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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"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 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. This is a seismic loss." --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. My thoughts are with Diane & his children." --Kevin Spacey, whose first film role was in "Heartburn," on Twitter.

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"Everyone who was close to Mike has suffered a loss which cannot be repaired, ever. 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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"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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"Devastated by the news of #MikeNichols passing. He directed me in "Primary Colors." His talent was inimitable & I loved working with him RIP." --Larry King, on Twitter.

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"Mike Nichols was equally talented, generous, smart and kind. It was an honour to know him." --Craig Zadan, on Twitter.

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"I wish I could capture in 140 characters what a wonderful man Mike Nichols was, and how much I loved him and his work. I will truly miss him." --"The Birdcage" star Hank Azaria, 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. God." --James L. Brooks, on Twitter.

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"So sad to learn of the death of Mike Nichols. My heart goes out to Diane, their families & everyone who marveled at his brilliance." --Katie Couric, on Twitter.

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"He was funny and honest and a tremendous observer of human behaviour, qualities that informed his working life as a director. Actors loved working with him; his loyal crew spent decades with him; and audiences thrilled at the prickle of recognition they felt when they watched his movies. There will never be another director quite like Mike Nichols." --Directors Guild of America President Paris Barclay in a statement.