Who Was Diane Sawyer’s Late Husband Mike Nichols?
DIANE Sawyer is known for her decades-long career as a television journalist.
The former Good Morning America co-host was married to the late Oscar winner Mike Nichols.
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Who is Diane Sawyer’s late husband Mike Nichols?
Mike Nichols, born November 6, 1931, was a filmmaker, playwright and stage director from Berlin, Germany.
He made his directorial debut in the 1966 drama Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
It was the third highest-grossing film of the year and received 13 Oscar nominations.
The following year, Mike took home the Best Director award for The Graduate.
The Academy also nominated him for the films:
- Carnal knowledge
- The day of the dolphin
- silkwood
- working girl
- Postcards from the edge
- The Birdcage
- primary colors
- Closer
- Charlie Wilson’s War
On April 29, 1988, Nichols and 60 Minutes correspondent Diane Sawyer married and held their wedding in Martha’s Vineyard.
Their marriage was Nichols’ fourth and Diane’s first.
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Two years before his death, the filmmaker confessed to New York Magazine, “My happiness in life really began with seeing my children grow into amazing people, but my greatest happiness began in 1988 when I married Diane.”
Nichols also shared with EW, “Here’s the thing about my wife, she’s just unlike any other woman.
“I know no secrets about what makes a marriage work. Unless you can marry Diane, you’ll be in great shape.”
How did Diane and Mike meet?
Diane and Mike first met in 1986; they were both waiting for their flights from Paris to New York.
At first, the 20/20 presenter tried to avoid the Emmy-winning actress because she couldn’t count on her outfit due to “a juice-stained turtleneck and ripped jeans.”
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Diane recalled to Vanity Fair that Mike was the one who initiated a conversation with Diane when he approached her and told her, “You’re my hero,” to which she replied, “And you’re mine.”
While on the plane, she and Mike made plans for lunch to discuss his potential appearance in 60 Minutes.
The interview didn’t materialize, but they struck up a quick friendship that blossomed into a romance some time later.
Diane confessed to CBS News, “After about 12 lunches, it suddenly struck me that maybe lunches weren’t about a negotiation for an interview anymore.
“And so we kept having lunch and forgot about the interview.”
What was Mike Nichols’ cause of death?
On November 19, 2014, Nichols died of cardiac arrest at the age of 83.
The late stage and film director is survived by Diane and his three children from his previous marriages; Daisy, Max and Jenny.
He is also survived by his four grandchildren.
His death was confirmed in a statement by ABC News President James Goldston.
Speaking on behalf of the network, he paid tribute to Nichols, stating, “No one was more passionate about their craft than Mike.
“Mike had a sparkling wit and a brilliant mind. Loved by so many in film, television and Broadway, there was no greater joy in his life than his family and of course our own Diane Sawyer.
“A true and beautiful love story, Mike and Diane were married for 26 years.
“I know many of you would like to offer your condolences to Diane.
“Until then, please join me in thinking about Diane, Mike’s children, grandchildren and their families.”