Who was Diane Sawyer’s late husband, Mike Nichols?
DIANE Sawyer is known for her decades-long career as a TV journalist.
The former Good Morning America co-anchor was married to the late Oscar-winning director Mike Nichols.
Who is Diane Sawyer's late husband, Mike Nichols?
Born on November 6, 1931, Mike Nichols was a filmmaker, playwright, and stage director from Berlin, Germany.
He made his directorial debut with the 1966 drama film Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?
It was the year's third-highest-grossing movie and earned 13 Oscar nominations.
The following year, Mike took home the Best Director award for The Graduate.
Read More on Diane Sawyer
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 tied the knot with 60 Minutes correspondent Diane Sawyer and held their wedding in Martha's Vineyard.
Their marriage was Nichols' fourth and Diane's first.
Most read in Entertainment
Two years before he passed away, the filmmaker confessed to New York Magazine: "My happiness in life really started with seeing my children become astonishing people but my ultimate happiness began in 1988 when I married Diane."
Nichols also shared with EW: "Here’s the thing about my wife, she’s just different from any other woman.
"I don’t know any secrets about what makes a marriage work. Except if you can marry Diane, you’ll be in great shape."
How did Diane and Mike meet?
Diane and Mike first encountered one another in 1986; they were both waiting for their flights from Paris to New York.
At first, the 20/20 anchor attempted to avoid the Emmy Award winner because she wasn't confident about her outfit due to "a juice-stained turtleneck and ratty jeans."
Diane recalled to Vanity Fair that Mike was the one to initiate a conversation with Diane when he walked up to her and told her "You’re my hero," to which she responded "And you’re mine."
While on the plane, she and Mike made plans for a lunch date to discuss the latter's potential appearance in 60 Minutes.
The interview didn't come to fruition but they struck up a quick friendship that evolved into romance sometime later.
Diane confessed to CBS News: "After about 12 lunches, it suddenly occurred to me that maybe the lunches weren't about a negotiation for an interview anymore.
"And so, we kept having lunch and forgot the interview."
What was Mike Nichols' cause of death?
On November 19, 2014, Nichols died from cardiac arrest at the age of 83.
The late stage and movie director is survived by Diane and his three children from his past 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.
On behalf of the network, he paid tribute to Nichols and stated: "No one was more passionate about his craft than Mike.
"Mike had a sparkling wit and a brilliant mind. Beloved 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.
Read More on The US Sun
"I know many of you will want to share your condolences with Diane.
"Until then, please join me in keeping Diane, Mike’s children, grandchildren, and their families in your thoughts."