We’re saddened to report the loss of writer/director Nora Ephron, the sharp New York wit behind many of the best loved romantic dramas and comedies ever made, among them Sleepless in Seattle (1993) and Julie & Julia (2009). She was 71 years old.
Formerly married to novelist Dan Greenburg and investigative journalist Carl Bernstein, Ephron leaves third husband Nicholas Pileggi and kids Henry, Phoebe, Jacob and Max. Although she never won as Oscar, Ephron was nominated a healthy number of times, for writing Silkwood (1983), Sleepless in Seattle and the screenplay she will forever be remembered for, When Harry Met Sally… (1989).
Billy Crystal was one of many stars to pay tribute to Ephron. “I am very sad to learn of Nora’s passing. She was a brilliant writer and humorist. Being her Harry to Meg’s Sally will always have a special place in my heart. I was very lucky to get to say her words.”
Tom Hanks and wife Rita Wilson added, “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.”
