Mike Nichols | 1931 - 2014

A 2010 photo of Mike Nichols, who emerged in the late 1950s as half of a groundbreaking satirical comedy team and found his true calling in the next decade as director of the landmark films “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?” and “The Graduate,” has died.  (Jennifer Alman / For the Times)

AFI Life Achievement Award honoree Mike Nichols speaks onstage during the event at Sony Pictures Studios in Culver City in 2010.  (Kevin Winter / Getty Images)

Honoree Mike Nichols embraces actors Warren Beatty and Annette Bening during the 38th AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony.  (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

Honoree Mike Nichols and actress Meryl Streep at the 38th AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony.   (Christopher Polk / Getty Images)

Journalist Diane Sawyer, left, and director Mike Nichols with actress/singer Rita Wilson backstage following her performance at 54 Below in New York City.   (Cindy Ord / Getty Images)

Honoree Mike Nichols and journalist Diane Sawyer during the 38th AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony.  (Frazer Harrison / Getty Images)

Mike Nichols and Diane Sawyer attend the funeral service for actor Philip Seymour Hoffman, who died of a drug overdose, at St. Ignatius Of Loyola in New York City.   (Andrew Burton / Getty Images)