Nora Ephron Dies at 71, Hollywood Mourns Iconic Writer
Author and screenwriter Nora Ephron died at age 71 on Tuesday in New York, leaving many in mourning.
Her sharp mind led to dozens of essays, books, plays, and hit films including "Sleepless in Seattle" and "When Harry Met Sally."
Ephron died at New York Presbyterian Hospital after suffering from acute myeloid leukemia and pneumonia, according to her friend and columnist for The Washington Post, Richard Cohen.
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Over the course of her career, Ephron directed eight feature films and had screenplay credits on numerous productions.
Two of her films, "Sleepless in Seattle" and "You've Got Mail," both starred Tom Hanks and Meg Ryan. Hanks, as well as many other Hollywood stars, have posted their respects for the writer following her death.
"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," Hanks and his wife Rita Wilson said in a statement, according to E! News.
"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," continued the celebrity couple. "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."
Nicole Kidman, who starred in "Bewitched" while directed by Ephron, noted that her late friend was "a joy to be around."
"She was so smart, warm and funny," said the Australian actress. "I am so grateful that she was my friend and we had the opportunity to work together. My thoughts and love are with her family at this time. I will never forget the dinners, games, and laughter we all shared."
Even more of Hollywood's top stars posted their grief and respect on Twitter in the hours following the news of Ephron's death, including comedienne Sarah Silverman, talk show host Kelly Ripa, and actor Elijah Wood, among dozens of others.
Justin Timberlake wrote on Twitter, "R.I.P. Nora Ephron… Funny, charming, witty, full of heart, and one of the greatest who put it all down in timeless, quotable classics."
Ephron's survivors include her husband, Nicholas Pileggi, sons from her second marriage, Jacob and Mac Bernstein, and three sisters.
