Mike Nichols, comedian

Mike Nichols died today.

He is best described as a director, having directed “The Graduate,” “Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf?,” “Catch-22,” “Carnal Knowledge,” “Silkwood,” “Working Girl,” “The Birdcage,” “Closer,” and “Charlie Wilson’s War.”

But his first iconic role in American entertainment was as a comedian with Elaine May. Dig around in grandma’s old record collection, and you’ll probably find a Mike Nichols – Elaine May comedy album.

The two had a falling out around 1960, and they split. Nichols moved to Canada because he thought he’d like to give theatrical directing a try.