Getty ImagesHollywood is paying tribute to one of the most beloved directors in show business, Mike Nichols.
The 83-year-old, who passed away suddenly Wednesday evening, was described as a "true visionary" by the president of ABC News, James Goldston.
Nichols' acclaimed career earned him an Emmy, a Tony, a Grammy and an Academy Award—putting him in a league with only a few others.
He had been married to Diane Sawyer since 1988 and while the two had no children together, he had two daughters and a son from previous marriages.
During a 2012 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Natalie Portman gushed about working with Nichols on Closer and The Seagull.
"He has an eye and an ear and a heart for the truth," she shared. "He'll tell you something that suddenly seems obvious but that you'd never have come up with yourself, which is probably the definition of genius."
Oscar favorite Meryl Streep also gave praise to Nichols in the interview, saying, "He was always the smartest and most brilliant person in the room."
Nichols is responsible for bringing The Graduate, The Birdcage, Silkwood, Working Girl and so many other classic films to the big screen, and now, celebrities are speaking out and thanking him for his significant contribution to American cinema.
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 (@KevinSpacey) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols wasn't just brilliant, funny, and insanely creative. He was one of the sweetest, kindest gentlest human beings on the planet.
? Bob Balaban (@BobBalaban) November 20, 2014it seems impossible that mike nichols is gone. a hero to me and so many. what an enormous loss.
? zoe kazan (@zoeinthecities) November 20, 2014I am beyond sad to learn that #MikeNichols has passed. From The Graduate to Birdcage to Spamalot to his comedy albums, he truly was a Titan.
? Josh Gad (@joshgad) November 20, 2014RIP #MikeNichols What a gigantic loss!!! The greatest of the great.
? Tony Goldwyn (@tonygoldwyn) November 20, 2014RIP #MikeNichols
Legend in real time.
? Taylor Schilling (@TaySchilling) November 20, 2014RIP Mike Nichols. The worlds of both stage and screen are diminished without your artistry.
? Daniel Dae Kim (@danieldaekim) November 20, 2014The last track on "Nichols and May Examine Doctors" "Nichols and May at Work." The best comedy moment on tape. RIP Mike Nichols.
? John Mulaney (@mulaney) November 20, 2014I'm absolutely heartbroken. RIP Mike Nichols. I love you.
? Audra McDonald (@AudraEqualityMc) November 20, 2014R.I.P. Mike Nichols - one of the greats.
? Joshua Malina (@JoshMalina) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols, your great work endures you. Thank you for all of it. Rest in peace.
? Jamie Bell (@1jamiebell) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols had no wheelhouse, he invented the wheel. RIP.
? Michael Urie (@michaelurie) November 20, 2014Funniest, smartest, most generous, wisest, kindest of all. Mike Nichols, a truly good man
? mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) November 20, 2014We lost the legendary Mike Nichols today. A pioneer of stage and film. A true visionary and a friend.
? Hugh Jackman (@RealHughJackman) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols leaves behind a staggering body of work. He's one of the best filmmakers and stage directors ever. Influenced everyone. #GENIUS
? Ben Stiller (@RedHourBen) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols was a true visionary. So sad to hear of his passing this morning.
? josh groban (@joshgroban) November 20, 2014One of the absolute greatest. RIP. Mike Nichols.
? kerry washington (@kerrywashington) November 20, 2014RIP 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 (@RealRonHoward) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols - Never heard him sing opera but he had the rest of show biz conquered. Writer, performer, director extraordinaire. A sweetie.
? Harvey Fierstein (@HarveyFierstein) November 20, 2014So 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 (@katiecouric) November 20, 2014So sad to hear about the passing of Mike Nichols. What an incredible talent! Truly a legend and innovator. Thoughts are w/ @DianeSawyer
? Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) November 20, 2014We lost a legend today. RIP Mike Nichols. You made your mark on this world, and damned if it wasn't a fantastic one at that.
? oliviamunn (@oliviamunn) November 20, 2014Mike Nichols..A legend never dies. When I was struggling young actor, Mike gave me the advice to help me continue on my path. 4ever Grateful
? Matthew Morrison (@Matt_Morrison) November 20, 2014