Mike Nichols

Directing · Born 1931-11-06 in Berlin, Germany

Biography

Mike Nichols (born Mikhail Igor Peschkowsky; November 6, 1931 – November 19, 2014) was a German-born American film and theatre director, producer, actor and comedian. He was noted for his ability to work across a range of genres and an aptitude for getting the best out of actors regardless of their acting experience. Nichols began his career in the 1950s with the comedy improvisational troupe, The Compass Players, predecessor of The Second City, in Chicago. He then teamed up with his improv partner, Elaine May, to form the comedy duo Nichols and May. Their live improv acts were a hit on Broadway resulting in three albums, with their debut album winning a Grammy Award. After Nichols and May disbanded their act in 1961, Nichols began directing plays. He soon earned a reputation as a…

Filmography

• Arthur Miller: Writer as Self (archive footage)
• Can't Buy Me Lunch: Another Look at The Rutles as Self - Interviewee
• The Designated Mourner as Jack
• Inventing David Geffen as Self
• King: A Filmed Record... Montgomery to Memphis as Self (archive footage)
• Wrestling with Angels: Playwright Tony Kushner as Self
• Becoming Mike Nichols as Himself
• Everything Is Copy as Self
• The Fabulous Fifties as Self
• Love & Loyalty: The Making of 'The Remains of the Day' as Self

TV

• Inside the Actors Studio as Self
• Omnibus
• The Dinah Shore Chevy Show as Self
• The Steve Allen Show as Self - Comedian
• The Oscars as Self
• The Kennedy Center Honors as Self
• What's My Line? as Self - Mystery Guest
• Tonight Starring Jack Paar as Self
• DuPont Show of the Month as Rod Carter
• American Masters as Self