Mike Nichols
Mike Nichols
Full Name and Common Aliases
Mike Nichols was born Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky on November 6, 1931, in Berlin, Germany.
Birth and Death Dates
November 6, 1931 - November 19, 2014
Nationality and Profession(s)
American theatre director, producer, actor, comedian, playwright, and novelist. Nichols was a prominent figure in the American theater scene, known for his innovative and often provocative productions.
Early Life and Background
Nichols' early life was marked by turmoil and upheaval. His family fled Nazi Germany in 1933, settling in New York City when he was two years old. The young Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky struggled to adapt to American culture, but found solace in humor and comedy. He began performing stand-up at the age of 18, quickly gaining recognition for his biting wit and irreverent style.
Major Accomplishments
Nichols' career spanned over five decades, with numerous awards and accolades to his name. Some of his most notable achievements include:
Directing the Broadway production of "The Odd Couple" in 1965, earning him two Tony Awards.
Founding the comedy troupe The Compass Players, a precursor to Second City Theatre.
Creating the hit TV show "Saturday Night Live," which premiered in 1975 and ran for over 40 seasons.Notable Works or Actions
Nichols was a prolific director, with numerous stage and screen productions under his belt. Some of his most notable works include:
The Broadway production of "Spamalot" (2005), for which he won the Tony Award for Best Direction.
Directing the film adaptation of "The Birdcage" (1996), a comedy starring Robin Williams.
Creating the 1990 TV special "Wit," a critically acclaimed production that earned him multiple Emmy Awards.
Impact and Legacy
Mike Nichols left an indelible mark on American theater and entertainment. His innovative productions, often pushing the boundaries of taste and convention, paved the way for future generations of artists. As a director, he was known for his meticulous attention to detail and ability to coax nuanced performances from his actors.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
Nichols' quotes and insights on art, comedy, and the human condition continue to resonate with audiences today. His irreverent wit and sharp observations offer a unique perspective on life's complexities, reminding us that even in the darkest of times, there is always room for humor and levity.
Nichols' legacy extends far beyond his impressive body of work. He was a true original – a master of comedy and drama who inspired countless artists to push the boundaries of their craft. As we continue to draw inspiration from his quotes and productions, it's clear that Mike Nichols will remain an enduring figure in American entertainment for generations to come.
Selected Quotes by Mike Nichols:
"The most important thing in comedy is the truth."
"I'm not a director who likes to make people laugh; I like to make them feel something."
* "Comedy is the only way to get away with saying anything."
Quotes by Mike Nichols
There's nothing better than discovering, to your own astonishment, what you're meant to do. It's like falling in love.
I love to take actors to a place where they open a vein. That's the job. The key is that I make it safe for them to open the vein.
I never understand when people say, ‘Do you do comedy or tragedy?’ I don’t think they’re very much different. They both have to be true, and there isn’t a great play in the world that doesn’t have funny parts to it – as ‘Salesman’ does, as ‘King Lear’ does. The whole idea is to reflect life in some way, which means surely you have to have both.
I came to love silence, because it’s so rare, and it’s now my favorite aural condition.
That seems to me the greatest American danger we’re all in, that we’ll bargain away the experience of being alive for the appearance of it.
It’s not a filmmaker’s job to explain his technique but to tell his story the best way he can.