Hollywood, Broadway stars mourn death of director Mike Nichols

LOS ANGELES, Nov. 20 (UPI) -- Titans of Hollywood and Broadway took to social media Thursday to express their grief over the death of beloved stage, film and TV director Mike Nichols.

The Oscar, Grammy, Emmy and eight-time Tony winner died Wednesday at the age of 83.

Among the dozens of celebrities to tip their hats to the legend online or in written statements were Ron Howard, Steven Spielberg, James L. Brooks, Ben Stiller, Julianne Moore, Harvey Fierstein, John Patrick Shanley, Matthew Morrison, Katie Couric and Olivia Munn. Many well-wishers also offered their condolences to Nichols' wife, broadcast journalist Diane Sawyer.

Thank you, #MikeNichols, for so much theatrical joy. #RIP #EGOT The @nytimestheater obit: http://t.co/U45oMmQHHE pic.twitter.com/PUhMrrhbQ9

— The Tony Awards (@TheTonyAwards) November 20, 2014

Steven Spielberg mourns Mike Nichols: 'For me, The Graduate was life altering...': http://t.co/Nwktq3d6jR pic.twitter.com/EVeZ36iEDJ

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— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) November 20, 2014

Mike 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, 2014

So very sad to hear of Mike Nichols death. A great talent, a wonderful, bright, charming human being.

— Julianne Moore (@_juliannemoore) November 20, 2014

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 (@RealRonHoward) November 20, 2014

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 (@canyonjim) November 20, 2014

We 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, 2014