Famed film director dies at 83

New York - Mike Nichols, the director of matchless versatility who brought fierce wit, caustic social commentary and wicked absurdity to such film, TV and stage hits as The Graduate, Angels in America and Monty Python's Spamalot, has died. He was 83.

The death was confirmed by ABC News President James Goldston on Thursday. Nichols died on Wednesday evening. Goldston said the family was holding a small private service this week.

Nichols, who was married to TV journalist Diane Sawyer, also was a groundbreaking comedy performer who teamed with Elaine May as a popular act onstage and television.

Here are 3 films that were directed by Mike Nichols:

Barefoot in the Park



 Postcards from the Edge



Charlie Wilson's War



Hollywood celebs like Tom Hanks,  Neil Patrick Harris and Lena Dunham took to social media to pay their respects to the director.

Check out what they had to say:

"Forward. We must always move forward. Otherwise what will become of us?" So said Mike Nichols, who changed the liv… http://t.co/9n059tUSE3

— Tom Hanks (@tomhanks) November 20, 2014

RIP, Mike Nichols. Brilliant director, lovely gentleman. Total class act. His work will live on forever.

— Neil Patrick Harris (@ActuallyNPH) November 20, 2014

Thank you Mike Nichols. You lived many creative lives, all of them perfect. You gave us the best things because you are the best of them all

— Lena Dunham (@lenadunham) November 20, 2014