Photos: Mike Nichols dies: Celebrity reactions

“Mike was a friend, a muse, a mentor, one of America’s all-time greatest film and stage directors, and one of the most generous people I have ever known. This is a seismic loss,” director Steven Spielberg said in a statement.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“‘Forward. We must always move forward. Otherwise what will become of us?’ said Mike Nichols, who changed the lives of those who knew him, who loved him, who will miss him so,” said actor Tom Hanks.  (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times)

“Reeling from news of Mike’s death, a director who loved actors #RIPMikeNichols,” actor John Lithgow wrote on Twitter.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“So very sad to hear of Mike Nichols death. A great talent, a wonderful, bright, charming human being,” actress Julianne Moore wrote on Twitter.  (Carolyn Cole / Los Angeles Times)

“The great Mike Nichols is gone, he gave us so much brilliant work it’s staggering. We were so lucky to have him, his legacy will live on,” actor Jeremy Piven wrote on Twitter.  (David Goldman / Associated Press)

“We’ve lost a tremendous artist. an arbiter of exquisite taste. a kind and generous man. a mind beyond compare. a heart full of unmitigated joy for life and art. you will be deeply missed sir. rest in peace,” actor Zachary Quinto wrote on Instagram.  (Al Seib / Los Angeles Times)

“One of the absolute greatest. RIP. Mike Nichols,” actress Kery Washington wrote on Twitter.  (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times)

“Mike Nichols gave me my start. A mentor, friend, colleague. One of the best observers of life. My thoughts are with Diane and his children,” actor Kevin Spacey wrote on Twitter.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“So sad to mourn a man who made us laugh and think and feel on stage and screen. Goodbye Mike Nichols. Love and peace to @DianeSawyer,” TV personality Rachael Ray wrote on Twitter.  (Neilson Barnard / Getty Images)

“What an amazing artist, what a sad loss,” filmmaker Greg Berlanti wrote on Twitter.  (Christina House / For The Times)

“RIP the Great Mike Nichols - elite member of the pantheon of directors whether stage screen or tv. Any conversation was rich w/wit & wisdom,” filmmaker Ron Howard wrote on Twitter.  (Chris Pizzello / Associated Press)

Ben Stiller, shown in 2013, published an essay Tuesday discussing his 2014 battle with prostate cancer and advocating early testing.  (Robert Gauthier / Los Angeles Times)

“The last track on ‘Nichols and May Examine Doctors’ ‘Nichols and May at Work.’ The best comedy moment on tape. RIP Mike Nichols,” comedian John Mulaney wrote on Twitter.  (Anne Cusack / Los Angeles Times)

“Thank you Mike Nichols. And here’s to you Mrs. Robinson. RIP,” actress Connie Britton wrote on Twitter.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“It’s very sad news but I hope I can lead a life as long and as interesting as Mike Nichols,” comedian John Hodgman wrote on Twitter.  (Brantley Gutierrez / Handout)

“Mike Nichols -- you are one of the all time greats. A deeply kind soul, and an incredible artist. You will be greatly missed. RIP sir,” actor Matt Bomer wrote on Twitter.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“Sad to hear of Mike Nichols passing - eternal in his gifts to American culture: “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Wolfe?” to “Angels.” Dues paid,” actor Jeffrey Wright said on Twitter.  (Justin Tallis / AFP / Getty Images)

“It seems impossible that Mike Nichols is gone. A hero to me and so many. What an enormous loss,” actress Zoe Kazan wrote on Twitter.  (Larry Busacca / Getty Images)

“We’ve lost one of the greats. Rest in peace, Mike Nichols,” actor Elijah Wood wrote on Twitter.  (Joel Ryan / Invision)

“I wish I could capture in 140 characters what a wonderful man Mike Nichols was, and how much I loved him and his work. I will truly miss him,” actor Hank Azaria wrote on Twitter.  (Genaro Molina / Los Angeles Times)

“Dear Mike Nichols: You will live on, sir. Your art and legacy and humanity will live on. You were, are, an inspiration. #rip,” filmmaker and activist Jose Antonio Vargas wrote on Twitter.  (Justin Sullivan / Getty Images)

“We lost a legend today. RIP Mike Nichols. You made your mark on this world, and damned if it wasn’t a fantastic one at that,” actress Olivia Munn wrote on Twitter.  (Richard Shotwell / Invision / Associated Press)

“The theater lost a genius in Mike Nichols, and its flag is at half mast,” television icon Norman Lear wrote on Twitter.  (Todd Williamson / Invision / Associated Press)

“Mike Nichols. Have always been in denial that he was mortal. RIP,” actor and director Pedro Pascal wrote on Twitter.  (Desiree Navarro / WireImage / Getty Images)

“And then sometimes you get off a plane and find out Mike Nichols has passed. Legend. RIP,” actress Anna Kendrick wrote on Twitter.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“So sad to hear about the death of Mike Nichols. He was a creative giant,” actor Steve Carell wrote on Twitter.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“We lost the legendary Mike Nichols today. A pioneer of stage and film. A true visionary and a friend,” actor Hugh Jackman wrote on Twitter.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“Mike Nichols was a brilliant director, actor, and husband. Sending love to my friend @DianeSawyer,” talk show host Ellen DeGeneres wrote on Twitter.  (Brian van der Brug / Los Angeles Times)

“He famously said, “The only safe thing to do is take a chance.” Duly noted. He leaves much beauty and truth behind. Rest well. #MikeNichols,” writer and director Ava DuVernay wrote on Twitter.  (Christina House / Los Angeles Times)

“Oh, those funless games of Albee’s. Brought to cinema by one of the greats. RIP Mike Nichols,” actress and musician Carrie Brownstein wrote on Twitter.  (Kirk McKoy / Los Angeles Times)

“The 1st time I saw Who’s Afraid of Virgina Woolf it was a game changer for me.thnk you Mike Nichols for such a haunting,beautiful,dark tale,” actress Christina Applegate wrote on Twitter.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“’@RealRonHoward: Let’s remember and tweet favorite Mike Nichols projects today I’ll start with #TheGraduate’ #AngelsInAmerica. So good,” actor Dane DeHaan wrote on Twitter.  (Jay L. Clendenin / Los Angeles Times)

“RIP Mike Nichols. A true comedy directing legend. His movies are a masterclass in how to make an audience laugh and think at the same time,” director Paul Feig wrote on Twitter.  (Mel Melcon / Los Angeles Times)