What a wonderful legacy Mike Nichols left us as a director, writer, performer, and producer. Im saddened by his passing, but grateful for his body of work. Im remembering Whoopi Goldberg telling me--in a terrific interview she gave me, years ago--how he turned her life around, how he saw her potential when she was an unknown performing comedy to small audiences; and he told her he wanted to produce her and direct her, and put her on Broadway. And he showcased her in one of the best solo shows I ever saw, playing one character after another another, from all walks of life. She was unforgettable in that Broadway outing, and he let us see in one night almost all she was capable of. (I still have a poster from that unforgettable solo show they created on my wall here in my home.) The obits Ive seen seem to focus on his film work, and he certainly made some great films (like The Graduate and The Birdcage). But he was no less effective on stage, whether directing riveting dramas (Death of a Salesman, Streamers, Hurlyburly), light comedies ( Plaza Suite, The Odd Couple), musicals (The Apple Tree, Spamalot), or producing big crowd-pleasing hits like :Annie.... I liked the early comedy of Mike Nichols and Elaine May. And his television adaptation of Angels in America. He won the Tony, the Emmy, the Oscar. And he remained productive right up into his 80s. He did it all. He did it well. Weve lost a very gifted artist..
Posted on: Fri, 21 Nov 2014 03:25:25 +0000
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