Legendary film maker Nora Ephron is dead at age 71, according to WWD. The renowned author, director and screenplay writer of such iconic movies like Sleepless in Seattle, When Harry Met Sally, You’ve Got Mail, Heartburn, and Julie & Julia died from pneumonia caused by Leukemia, a disease she had been diagnosed with since 2006.
Recently, Nora and her sister Delia wrote the critically acclaimed play called Love, Loss and What I Wore, based on Ilene Beckerman’s book. Of the play, Nora said “If you just say to anyone, point blank, to talk about their clothes, they talk about their mothers,” Nora said. “It’s so loaded with mother stuff.” The play starred notable actresses including Rosie O’Donnell, Samantha Bee, Rondi Reed, America Ferrera, Debi Mazar, Marlo Thomas, Blythe Danner, Christine Lahti, Parker Posey, Julie White, Kelly Bishop, Sarah Jones, Veanne Cox and Kristen Wiig.
The outpouring on Twitter of Nora’s death from celebrities, journalists and fans has landed her in the trending topic. Many celebrities had only the kindest things to say about her.
Tom Hanks said “Nora Ephron was a journalist/artist who knew what was important to know; how things really worked, what was worthwhile, who was fascinating and why. At a dinner table and on a film set she lifted us all with wisdom and wit mixed with love for us and love for life. Rita and I are so very sad to lose our friend who brought so much joy to all who were lucky enough to know her.”
On Twitter, Debra Messing said:
Nora Ephron — what a loss. A magnificent Spirit, and Voice. She changed Romantic Comedy forever. My prayer to her family and friends…
Arianna Huffington of the Huffington Post said:
Heartbroken in Manhattan…
Actress Kerry Washington:
My heart aches. Nora Ephron. What a tremendous loss. RIP
Robin Roberts:
So said to hear of the passing of Nora Ephron..the incredibly talented writer, director. Boy, did I love her wit. Thinking of her family.
Kelly Ripa wrote:
RIP Nora Ephron. You will be missed.
Paper Magazine editor Mickey Boardman said:
The part of the Nora Ephron obit that really chocked me up was getting her hair blow dried was far more uplifting than psychoanalysis. Sweet.
Stacy London said:
Devastated to hear of Nora Ephron’s passing. Her brilliance, wit, and talent will be sorely missed. RIP Nora. #LoveLoss
Zooey Deschanel wrote:
I’m very sad about Nora Ephron, a hero for all funny ladies.
Designer Diane von Furstenberg said:
Nora Ephron, talented, wonderful writer and director has left us..will miss her strength, fragility and humour! love is life. Diane.
I met Nora back in 2009 when I served as a reporter for the Scene Bisnow. I interviewed at the Smithsonian’s Museum of American History when she donated props from the set of her new movie Julie & Julia, starring Meryl Streep as famous chef Julia Child. She was such a lovely woman with a kind spirit. She was prolific and redefined the romantic comedy, giving women strength and a voice. She will be missed!
