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Mike Nichols, director of The Graduate, dies aged 83

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Mike Nichols, the Oscar-winning director of The Graduate, has passed away at the age of 83. He died after suffering a cardiac arrest on Wednesday, ABC News president James Goldston confirmed, describing Mike as a "true visionary". "No one was more passionate about his craft than Mike," he said. "In a triumphant career that spanned six decades, Mike created some of the most iconic works of American film, television and theatre."

mike nichols © Photo: Getty Images

Mike was married to ABC presenter Diane Sawyer, his fourth wife, who he wed in 1988. He was one of only 12 stars to win all four major entertainment awards – an Emmy, Grammy, Tony and an Oscar. He received his Academy Award for the 1967 film The Graduate, but was also Oscar-nominated for his work on The Remains of the Day, Working Girl, Silkwood and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf? His most recent film was the 2007 film Charlie Wilson's War, starring Tom Hanks.

mike nichols diane © Photo: Getty Images

Mike's other credits include the 1996 comedy The Birdcage, the Broadway hits Annie, Spamalot and The Odd Couple, and the Emmy-winning HBO mini-series Angels in America. The acclaimed German director leaves behind Diane, his wife of 26 years, children Daisy, Max and Jenny, and four grandchildren.