Mike Nichols

Biography

Mike Nichols (born Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky; November 6, 1931 – November 19, 2014) was a German-born American film and theatre director, producer, actor and comedian. He was noted for his ability to work across a range of genres and an aptitude for getting the best out of actors regardless of their acting experience. Nichols began his career in the 1950s with the comedy improvisational troupe, The Compass Players, predecessor of The Second City, in Chicago. He then teamed up with his improv partner, Elaine May, to form the comedy duo Nichols and May. Their live improv acts were a hit on Broadway resulting in three albums, with their debut album winning a Grammy Award. After Nichols and May disbanded their act in 1961, Nichols began directing plays. He soon earned a reputation as a skilled Broadway director with a flair for creating innovative productions and the ability to elicit polished performances from actors. His debut Broadway play was Neil Simon's Barefoot in the Park in 1963, with Robert Redford and Elizabeth Ashley. He next directed Luv in 1964 and in 1965 directed another Neil Simon play, The Odd Couple. Nichols received a Tony Award for each of those plays. Nearly five…

Directed

1. Closer (2004) — Director
2. The Graduate (1967) — Director
3. Charlie Wilson's War (2007) — Director
4. The Birdcage (1996) — Director
5. Working Girl (1988) — Director
6. Wolf (1994) — Director
7. Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? (1966) — Director
8. Regarding Henry (1991) — Director
9. Catch-22 (1970) — Director
10. Silkwood (1983) — Director
11. Primary Colors (1998) — Director
12. Postcards from the Edge (1990) — Director
13. Angels in America (2003) — Director
14. Carnal Knowledge (1971) — Director
15. Biloxi Blues (1988) — Director
16. Heartburn (1986) — Director
17. What Planet Are You From? (2000) — Director
18. Wit (2001) — Director
19. The Day of the Dolphin (1973) — Director
20. The Fortune (1975) — Director
21. Gilda Live (1980) — Director

Also appeared in

1. The Oscars (1953) — Self
2. Inside the Actors Studio (1994) — Self
3. Everything Is Copy (2015) — Self
4. What's My Line? (1950) — Self - Mystery Guest
5. American Masters (1986) — Self
6. Arthur Miller: Writer (2017) — Self (archive footage)
7. Looney Tunes 50th Anniversary (1986) — Self
8. Becoming Mike Nichols (2016) — Himself
9. Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles (2003) — Self - Interviewee
10. King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis (1970) — Self (archive footage)
11. Mike Nichols: An American Master (2016) — Self
12. The Kennedy Center Honors (1978) — Self
13. The Designated Mourner (1997) — Jack
14. Inventing David Geffen (2012) — Self
15. The Steve Allen Show (1956) — Self - Comedian
16. Tonight Starring Jack Paar (1957) — Self
17. The Dinah Shore Chevy Show (1956) — Self
18. DuPont Show of the Month (1957) — Rod Carter
19. The Fabulous Fifties (1960) — Self
20. The Madness of Boy George (2006) — Self
21. Omnibus (1952)
22. Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner (2006) — Self
23. Love & Loyalty: The Making of 'The Remains of the Day' (2001) — Self
24. In from the Cold? A Portrait of Richard Burton (1988) — Self
25. Nichols and May: Take Two (1996) — Self (archive footage)
26. Bach to Bach (1967) — A Man (voice)
27. Richard Avedon: Darkness and Light (1996) — Self
28. All the Difference (1970) — (voice)
29. The Big Party (1959) — Self
30. Tony Awards (1956) — Self - Nominee