RIP Nora Ephron (1941-2012)
Three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter and director Nora Ephron passed away this afternoon at the age of 71. She apparently died of complications from leukemia, which she had been suffering away from the public eye.
Best known for directing the beloved romantic comedies When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, Ephron was first and foremost a witty and talented writer, starting out as a newspaper journalist at the New York Post and quickly establishing herself as a first-rate author, playwright and screenwriter.
In Hollywood, Ephron was considered by many as one of the primary drivers of feminist films that were able to bring life to the female condition. Deftly blending humor, romance, and pathos in films such as When Harry Met Sally, Sleepless in Seattle , You’ve Got Mail and most recently, Julie & Julia, Ephron created strong, fully fledged female protagonists with insightful perspectives into the shortcomings of their lives.
And in the world of movies where there is already so few of them, Nora Ephron’s passing will be sorely felt.
9 Comments
Oh my goodness!! This is really sad news. I enjoy a lot of her films and Sleepless in Seattle and You’ve Got Mail are one of my fave rom-coms. Hollywood has such a shortage of female filmmakers as it is. RIP Miss Ephron, you’ll be missed!
I heard she was gravely ill a few hours ago… damn…
I might not cite her in my personal list of great female directors but she is one hell of a storyteller.
My favorite film of hers is Sleepless in Seattle. A truly sweet film that is funny but also adding something to the romantic comedy genre. I also loved This is Your Life and You’ve Got Mail. Notably the latter where Hanks’ character explained about why men love The Godfather. That’s screenwriting at its best. It’s sad that she’s gone because we need more people like her to craft films about women that are much smarter than what is expected in the genre.
R.I.P. Nora
Truly shocking and sad news. What a talent. She left far too soon. Fine tribute, Castor.
Oh that’s really sad. I absolutely love When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. She was really talented. RIP
This is so sad. I was so shocked when I heard this news. Her films had something that other films of their kind didn’t have. What a loss.
Sad, sad news. Loved her work on When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle. She had a great way with words.
This is a sad news, I love sleepless and you’ve got mail…there aren’t many good rom-com out there and her passing makes it even less.
may you rest in peace Nora.
Ashamed to say that I’ve never seen Sleepless and You’ve got mail, but several days before the news I have this urge to watch Sleepless in Seattle. RIP Nora Ephron.
Very good tribute Castor.
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