Mike Nichols' Reputation (02:53)

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Nichols created a space for actors to improvise. He is described as "America's movie therapist."

Nichol's Education and Early Career (04:24)

Nichols was born in Berlin in 1931 to Russian parents. His family fled to the U.S. before his father died. He hosted a radio program and developed an interest in acting. He and Elaine May became a comedy duo.

"Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf" (02:01)

In 1966, Nichols directed Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton in this film based on a Broadway play. The film received several Oscar nominations.

"The Graduate" (02:56)

Nichols directed this 1967 film starring Dustin Hoffman and Anne Bancroft. He asked Simon and Garfunkel to write a song for Mrs. Robinson.

"Catch-22" (02:41)

In 1970, Nichols adapted Joseph Heller's novel. The film starred Alan Arkin who pretends to be crazy in an attempt to get out of combat.

"Carnal Knowledge" (03:01)

In 1971, Nichols directed Jack Nicholson and Ann Margret in this film based on a play that had not yet been performed.

"The Fortune" (02:18)

In 1975, Nichols reunited with Nicholson for this comedy that also starred Stockard Channing and Warren Beatty.

"Silkwood" (02:46)

In 1983, after a break from Hollywood, Nichols directed Meryl Streep, Cher, and Kurt Russell in this film based on a true story.

"Biloxi Blues" (02:04)

In 1988, Nichols reunited with Neil Simon for this autobiographical story based on Simon's life. The story takes place at boot camp and stars Matthew Broderick and Christopher Walken.

"Working Girl" (02:33)

Melanie Griffith and Sigourney Weaver star in this Nichols' film that captures the mid 1980s era of high finance and paranoia.

"Postcards from the Edge" (01:58)

Meryl Streep and Shirley MacLaine star in this domestic drama based on Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds.

"Wolf" (01:58)

Nicholson starred in this 1994 horror movie.

"The Birdcage" (02:14)

Nichols reunited with May to make this movie starring Robin Williams and Nathan Lane.

"Primary Colors" (01:52)

Nichols and May worked together again on this film starring Emma Thompson and John Travolta as Bill and Hillary Clinton type characters.

"Closer" (01:47)

In 2004, Nichols directed an adaptation of this successful play. Julia Roberts, Jude Law, Natalie Portman, and Clive Owen star in this movie about the power play between men and women.

"Charlie Wilson's War" (03:14)

Tom Hanks and Philip Seymour Hoffman star in Nichols' final movie. Actors loved working with him.

Credits: Mike Nichols (The Directors, Season 6) (00:34)

Credits: Mike Nichols (The Directors, Season 6)