Natalie Portman joined the throngs of celebrities to pay tribute to the late director Mike Nichols.
The Closer actress issued a statement to E! News Thursday saying Nichols, who died suddenly at the age of 83 on Wednesday, saved her “again and again.”
“There’s nothing good enough I can write that would do Mike justice,” it read. “He was the one who had the best words, the right hug for hard times, the funny comment to diffuse your pain. He saved me again and again. He was the best way to be a person and an artist. And the most, most fun. I send my deepest love to Diane, Jenny, Max and Daisy and their children, who filled his days with light.”
The 33-year-old actress first worked with the legendary director on a revival of Chekov’s The Seagull and would later work with him on the 2004 film Closer, for which Portman would earn an Oscar nod.
Social media has been flooded with tributes for the director and condolences for his wife, former ABS News anchor Diane Sawyer, and their children.
The world lost a master of comedy drama film and stage Mike Nichols no one did it better. Condolences to the great @DianeSawyer
— Andrea Mitchell (@mitchellreports) November 20, 2014
So sad to hear of Mike Nichols' passing. Such a talented man. My heart goes out to @DianeSawyer and the Nichols family.
— Meredith Vieira (@meredithvieira) November 20, 2014
Mike Nichols was a brilliant director, actor, and husband. Sending love to my friend @DianeSawyer.
— Ellen DeGeneres (@TheEllenShow) November 20, 2014
We mourn the loss of a great, great artist, and a good man. Condolences to Diane Sawyer and his family. http://t.co/81OtD6PwTi
— Christiane Amanpour (@camanpour) November 20, 2014
So sad to hear about the passing of Mike Nichols. What an incredible talent! Truly a legend and innovator. Thoughts are w/ @DianeSawyer
— Kevin McHale (@druidDUDE) November 20, 2014
Some of Nichols’ most noted films include Barefoot in the Park, Annie, The Odd Couple, Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? and The Graduate.
Inside Diane Sawyer and Mike Nichols's longtime romance http://t.co/v31tqAXC16 pic.twitter.com/2f89R45TWt
— People magazine (@peoplemag) November 21, 2014
Earning an Oscar for best director for The Graduate, Nichols also directed Carnal Knowledge, Working Girl, and The Birdcage.