AP, CNN
Nora Ephron, the Manhattan-born screenwriter, filmmaker and journalist best known for her romantic comedies (When Harry Met Sally…, Sleepless in Seattle, Julie & Julia…) has died from leukemia in New York, aged 71.
Ephron will be remembered as an author who “challenged and thrived in the male-dominated worlds of movies and journalism and was loved, respected and feared for her devastating and diverting wit,” says AP.
Celebrities like actress Jessica Biel paid homage to the writer on Twitter: “Nora Ephron…thank you for your groundbreaking contributions for women in the film industry. You have truly paved the way. With respect…”
CNN offers a roundup of the reactions to Nora Ephron’s death:
Billy Crystal (who starred in When Harry Met Sally…)
“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 (who starred in Sleepless in Seattle):
“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.”
New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg:
“From her earliest days at New York City’s newspapers to her biggest Hollywood successes, Nora always loved a good New York story, and she could tell them like no one else. The books, movies and plays that she set in the world’s greatest city are classics that will be enjoyed for generations, but New York City will miss Nora very much.”
Nora Ephron was nominated three times for Academy Awards, for Silkwood, When Harry Met Sally… and Sleepless in Seattle.
Here’s a memorable scene from When Harry Met Sally…: