How does one measure success?
For someone like Mike Nichols, he would be considered a legend for his film work alone. He directed classics like WHO’S AFRAID OF VIRIGINA WOOLF and THE GRADAUTE, and the 20-plus movies he’s directed have received a total of 42 Oscar nominations.
But you can’t just look at Nichols’ film work, he was also a transcendent theater artist with 9 Tony Awards, directing smash hits like BAREFOOT IN THE PARK and THE ODD COUPLE. And then you remember, before he ever sat in the director’s chair … Nichols and Elaine May revolutionized comedy as a performing duo in the 50s. Nichols was also instrumental in the improv comedy that was born in Chicago and continues to shape American comedy to this day. He also started the country’s most popular (and still running) folk music radio show, THE MIDNIGHT SPECIAL.
To top it all off, Nichols is one of only 16 artists to complete the EGOT, which means winning a competitive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony award. Despite the wide-ranging success, how much do we really know about Nichols, who passed away at the age of 83 in 2014. His fascinating life is the subject of Mark Harris’ new book, MIKE NICHOLS: A LIFE.
