REST IN PEACE: MIKE NICHOLS (NOVEMBER 6, 1931 - NOVEMBER 19, 2014)

Award-winning director Mike Nichols passed away Wednesday evening of cardiac arrest. He was 83.

NIchols had the distinction of being winning an Emmy, Oscar, Tony, and Grammy award in his more than 50-year career.

During the 1960s, Nichols split his time directing film and Broadway productions. On the stage, he directed 'Barefoot in the Park,' which was later adapted into the film starring Robert Redford and Jane Fonda, 'The Odd Couple,' 'The Apple Tree,' and 'The Little Foxes.' In 1966, Nichols directed the award-winning, critically-acclaimed 'Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?' The movie, which starred Hollywood legends Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton, received an Oscar nomination in every eligible category. It ultimately won five awards. Nichols, however, wouldn't win his Best Director award until the following year with 'The Graduate.' The movie starred Dustin Hoffman as a recent college graduate who is seduced by the now-legendary Mrs. Robinson (played by Anne Bancroft) and later falls in love with her daughter. The film was nominated in seven categories and Nichols was the only one who took home an award.

Nichols' productions in the 1970s included the films 'Catch-22,' 'Carnal Knowledge,' 'The Day of the Dolphin,' and 'The Fortune,' while he produced the 'Comedians' and the 1977 Broadway hit 'Annie.'

Nichols continued working with Meryl Streep and Jack Nicholson in the 1980s on such films as the Oscar-nominated 'Silkwood' and 'Heartburn.' He directed two hits released in the same year (1988): 'Biloxi Blues' and 'Working Girl.' Meanwhile, his Broadway productions include 'Billy Bishop Goes to War,' 'The Real Thing,' and 'Hurlyburly.'

By the 1990s, Nichols had shifted much of his efforts to film where he directed memorable hits like 'Postcards from the Edge,' 'Regarding Henry,' the Jack Nicholson romantic-horror 'Wolf,' and 'Primary Colors.' His most successful film, however, was 1996's 'The Birdcage,' which featured Robin Williams and Nathan Lane in the lead roles. The 'La Cage aux Folles' remake received praise for going beyond gay stereotypes.

By the 2000s, Nichols expanded his work to include premium cable television. He directed two powerhouse hits for HBO Films: 'Wit' and 'Angels in America.' 2001's 'Wit' starred Emma Thompson as Vivian Bearing, an English Literature professor who is diagnosed with Stage IV ovarian cancer. As Bearing undergoes intensive treatment and chemotherapy, she begins to put her life in perspective through flashbacks and ultimately breaking the fourth wall. The movie won several Emmy awards including Outstanding Made for Television Movie and Outstanding Directing for a Miniseries, Movie or a Special.

Nichols followed 'Wit' with 2003's miniseries 'Angels in America.' The movie focused on the AIDS epidemic during the 1985 Reagan-era. The miniseries featured characters that were diagnosed and abandoned by their loved ones in a time period where fear and little information of the disease prevailed. 'Angels in America' became the most watched cable film of the year, and was nominated for a historic 21 Emmy nominations. It won 11 awards (ultimately breaking the record held by 1977's Roots (TV miniseries)) including Outstanding Miniseries, Outstanding Directing, and all major acting categories.

Nichols returned to the stage in 2005 with the original musical comedy 'Spamalot.' The production was based on Monty Python & the Holy Grail and earned three Tony Awards.

Nichols' most recent work was on two Oscar-nominated films, 2004's 'Closer' and 2007's 'Charlie Wilson's War,' as well as the Broadway revival of 'Death of a Salesman.'

Mike Nichols is survived by his wife of 26 years, ABC News' Diane Sawyer, three children, and four grandchildren.

REST IN PEACE: JOAN RIVERS (JUNE 8, 1933 - SEPTEMBER 4, 2014)

Joan Rivers, outspoken comedienne and late-night staple, has passed away at age 81. Rivers experienced complications during a throat operation on August 28, 2014. She went into cardiac arrest and was placed in a medically-induced coma. Rivers remained on life support as doctors attempted to bring her out of the coma.

Her daughter, Melissa Rivers, released the following statement, “She passed peacefully at 1:17 pm surrounded by family and close friends. My mother’s greatest joy in life was to make people laugh. Although that is difficult to do right now, I know her final wish would be that we return to laughing soon.”

Joan Rivers was a pioneering female comic in the early 1960's, working gigs in clubs from Greenwich Village to Las Vegas, and back. Her film and television career began as a writer on shows like Candid Camera and The Ed Sullivan Show, as well as for established comedians like Phyllis Diller and Bob Newhart.

In 1968, Rivers hosted her first syndicated daytime talk show, "That Show." It only lasted a year but that didn't stop the comedienne from popping up on the talk show circuit. Shortly thereafter, she became a regular fixture on The Tonight Show with Johnny Carson. Rivers and Carson developed a wonderful friendship and professional relationship that Rivers was named permanent replacement host for "The Tonight Show," filling in for Carson whenever he was on vacation.

Rivers continued appearing on several television shows including a recurring role on The Electric Company and guest starring alongside Lucille Ball on Here's Lucy. She also continued to perform stand-up routines and comedy specials throughout the early 1980s until receiving an offer that would permanently destroy her relationship with Johnny Carson.

In 1986, new network FOX offered Rivers her own late-night talk show, "The Late Show Starring Joan Rivers." The move made Rivers the first woman to have her own late-night talk show. "Late Show" pitted Rivers against Carson's "Tonight Show." Johnny Carson found out about the show from FOX, and not Rivers herself, thus feeling betrayed. Carson refused to speak to Rivers again, banning her from "The Tonight Show" that was continuously upheld by his successors Jay Leno and Conan O'Brien. Rivers finally returned to "The Tonight Show" in February 2014 when Jimmy Fallon took over the late-night show.

The FOX show was a disaster and was pulled after one year due to behind-the-scenes drama between Rivers and husband Edgar Rosenberg, and the network executives. The network ended up firing the two and Rivers' career hit a low lull. She continued popping up on television, mostly on "The New Hollywood Squares," until she landed another daytime talk show, "The Joan Rivers Show." The show lasted five years and earned Rivers a Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Talk Show Host.

During the 1980s and early 1990s, Rivers appeared in several notable films such as The Muppets Take Manhattan, Spaceballs, Look Who's Talking, and Serial Mom. Her voiceover work in "Spaceballs" carried over to Spaceballs: The Animated Series. In 1994, Rivers and her daughter Melissa began hosting pre-award show specials, which included the Golden Globes and Academy Awards, for E Entertainment.

By the 2000s, Joan Rivers entered a career resurgence. She and Melissa left E Entertainment for the TV Guide Channel in 2003, where they performed the same pre-award show fashion commentaries. She guest-starred on FX Networks' hit plastic surgery drama Nip/Tuck. Rivers had never shied from the numerous plastic surgeries she had in all her years and relished the role. She also became a staple of the newly-born reality TV genre, appearing in Celebrity Apprentice, Big Brother: Celebrity Hijack, and Celebrity Family Feud.

Recently, Rivers juggled duties on WE tv's Joan & Melissa: Joan Knows Best?, a reality show that followed Joan's move back to California and living with her daughter, and E Entertainment's Fashion Police. She also kept up with the changes in technology and hosted her own online podcast talk show, In Bed With Joan.

Joan Rivers' final appearance was a taping of "Fashion Police" regarding the 66th Primetime Emmy Awards and MTV VMA 2014. She leaves behind a legacy and path that today's female comedians can follow. Her outspoken, acid tongue, and sometimes raunchy opinions and views were both criticized and praised. While blunt comments and off-the-wall jokes were final nails in a showbiz career, Joan Rivers stayed afloat, survived and survived again. She was refreshing and inspiring at the same time, and Hollywood will most likely never see anyone of her caliber again.

#RIP #JoanRivers

REST IN PEACE: DON PARDO, THE VOICE OF "SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE" (FEBRUARY 22, 1918 - AUGUST 18, 2014)

Radio and television announcer Dominick "Don" Pardo passed away Monday evening in his Tuscon, Arizona home. He was 96. Pardo was the longtime announcer for NBC's "Saturday Night Live," providing the introductions for 38 seasons. He only missed one season of "SNL," making him the longest running member of the late night show.

Pardo joined NBC as an announcer in 1944. He participated in various entertainment and news radio programs. He voiced for NBC Radio, several game shows (including The Price Is Right and Jeopardy!) and soap opera openings before joining "Saturday Night Live" in 1975. Pardo retired from NBC in 2004 but continued providing the "SNL" introductions. Towards the later seasons, Pardo stopped making the weekly flights to New York and instead pre-recorded the introductions from his home in Arizona.

Don Pardo was inducted to the Television Hall of Fame in 2010, and was one of only two people who had lifetime contracts with NBC (Bob Hope was the other).

#RIP #SNL #DonPardo

REST IN PEACE: LAUREN BACALL (SEPTEMBER 16, 1924 - AUGUST 12, 2014)

Rest in Peace: Legendary screen actress and model Lauren Bacall passed away August 12 after suffering a massive stroke. She was 89.

Bacall's natural beauty and sizzling deep voice made her a box office femme fatale. Some of her best films were with husband Humphrey Bogart during the film noir era. Bogey and Bacall starred together in "To Have and Have Not," "The Big Sleep," "Dark Passage," and "Key Largo." Post-Bogey films that featured Bacall were "How to Marry a Millionaire," which headlined Marilyn Monroe and Betty Grable; "Written in the Wind" starring alongside Rock Hudson; and "Designing Women" where she played opposite Gregory Peck.

By the 1960s, and after Bogart's death, Bacall's movie career had tapered off. She hit Broadway and impressed audiences with performances in "Goodbye Charlie," Cactus Flower," and earned Tony Awards for her roles in "Applesauce" and "Woman of the Year."

Bacall also ventured into television guest roles with appearances in "Dr. Kildare," "The Rockford Files," "The Sopranos," and "Family Guy," as well as roles in TV films "Perfect Gentlemen" and "A Little Piece of Sunshine."

Lauren Bacall is survived by three children, two from her marriage to Humphrey Bogart, and one son, actor Sam Robards from her second marriage to Jason Robards.

#RIP #HollywoodLegends #LaurenBacall

REST IN PEACE: ROBIN WILLIAMS (JULY 21, 1951 - AUGUST 11, 2014)

Veteran film and television actor/comedian Robin Williams was found dead in his Tiburon, California home on August 11. He was 63.

Williams began his television career as a writer and performer on "The Richard Pryor Show." In 1978, he originated the role of Mork the alien for an episode of "Happy Days," which eventually led to his most successful television series "Mork & Mindy." "Mork & Mindy" last four seasons and garnered Williams a Golden Globe Award and Emmy nomination.

By 1980, Williams transitioned into films when he starred in his first lead role as the titular character, "Popeye" the Sailor Man. The movie was critically panned but it showcased Williams talent and versatility that later became his trademark. Several years later Williams took on a more serious role in the movie adaptation of "The World According to Garp". In 1984, Williams starred in his first Golden Globe nominated film "Moscow on the Hudson," where he played a Soviet circus musician who defects while visiting the United States.

Though his film career took off in the early 1980s, Williams was still prevalent in television. He hosted "Saturday Night Live" several times, appeared on "SCTV Network 90" and "Max Headroom," and guested on children's "Faerie Tale Theatre" and "Pryor's Place." He also performed in several comedy specials, including the string of Comic Relief performances alongside Whoopi Goldberg, Billy Crystal, and other comedians.

By the late 1980s and early 1990s, Williams hit a career high with a string of box office hits. He won a Golden Globe Award for his role as Airman-turned-DJ Adrian Cronauer in 1987's "Good Morning, Vietnam." A couple of years later, he received critical praise for his portrayal of English teacher John Keating in "Dead Poets Society." In 1990, Williams continued amazing audiences with his dramatic talent in the Oscar-nominated "Awakenings." Co-starring Robert De Niro, Williams portrayed Dr. Malcolm Sayer, a neurologist who discovers beneficial effects of a drug that temporarily releases patients from a catatonic state. His final dramatic role before venturing into more family-friendly films was in "The Fisher King" where Williams played a delusional homeless man on a mission to find the Holy Grail.

Williams appeared in family-friendly movies during the 1990s. He became the grown Peter Pan in "Hook"; the next-in-line successor at a toy factory in "Toys"; voiced the iconic Genie in Disney's "Aladdin," as well as fruit bat Batty Koda in the popular animated "FernGully: The Last Rainforest." In 1993, Williams starred in one of his most memorable roles, "Mrs. Doubtfire," where he took on the dual-role of struggling father Daniel Hillard and his alter ego, Euphegenia Doubtfire. The portrayal of nanny Mrs. Doubtfire gave Williams another Golden Globe Award. He followed "Mrs. Doubtfire" with the family adventure film "Jumanji."

Williams continued his success in 1996's "Jack" where his character suffered from Werner Syndrome, an aging disease that accelerates internal development. He followed it with the "La Cage aux Folles" remake "The Birdcage." Playing Armand Goldman, Williams received praise for stepping outside the box and away from stereotypes. By 1997, Williams finally earned an Academy Award for his portrayal of therapist Dr. Sean Maguire in "Good Will Hunting." Co-starring Matt Damon as genius-level janitor Will Hunting, Williams' Dr. Maguire helps unlock Hunting's defense mechanisms and unroot the problem.

The late 1990s and early 2000s saw mixed reviews of Williams' films, some negatively reviewed while successful in the box office. Films included "Fathers' Day," "Patch Adams," "What Dreams May Come," "Bicentennial Man," "Jakob the Liar," and "Death to Smoochy."

Williams once again found success in the mid-2000s doing voice work on "Robots," the "Happy Feet" movies, and "Everyone's Hero." He was also a staple in the "Night At The Museum" films portraying Theodore Roosevelt. In fact, the third film of the series, as well as two other movies, are scheduled to be released this year.

Throughout the past four decades, Robin Williams guest-starred on various TV shows including "The Larry Sanders Show," "Homicide: Life on the Street," "Friends," "L.A. Doctors," "Supermarket Sweep," "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," "Life with Bonnie," "Law & Order: Special Victims Unit," "SpongeBob SquarePants," "Wilfred," and "Louie."

In 2013, Williams returned to scripted television in CBS' "The Crazy Ones," co-starring Sarah Michelle Gellar. Williams played an eccentric advertising executive who becomes business partners with his daughter. "The Crazy Ones" was well-received by audiences but pulled in average ratings, which unfortunately led to its last-minute cancellation. Williams easily fell back into the sitcom format with his usual gags and ad-libbing, as was characteristically seen on "Mork & Mindy."

Williams also braved The Great White Way and appeared in several productions on Broadway. He made his debut in "Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo" before headlining his own one-man show, "Robin Williams: Live on Broadway."

Robin Williams leaves behind a wife and three children. While he will forever be remembered for his film and TV roles, he'll be missed for his personal and charitable contributions outside of the industry.

#RIP #RobinWilliams

IN MEMORIAM: 'GILLIGAN'S ISLAND'S RUSSELL JOHNSON AND 'THE PARTRIDGE FAMILY'S DAVE MADDEN

Yesterday we lost two classic television actors that marked the 1960s and 1970s.

Russell Johnson, mostly recognizable from his role as The Professor on Gilligan's Island, passed away at age 89. Johnson's early acting career began in the movies before transitioning over to guest and starring television roles. In 1964, Johnson was cast as Roy Hinkley, a.k.a. The Professor, on CBS' Gilligan's Island. Former castmate Dawn Wells broke the news yesterday via her Twitter account. Johnson was in a Hospice facility and surrounded by his wife and children when he died.

Dave Madden, who was best known as the The Partridge Family's band manager Reuben Kincaid, also passed away yesterday of congestive heart and kidney failure. Madden was 82. Madden was prominent in the '70s and '80s television landscape, appearing in guest roles on Fantasy Island, The Love Boat, and Barney Miller. He also had a recurring role on CBS' Alice as frequent diner Earl Hicks.

WINTER 2014: JAMES AVERY, 'UNCLE PHIL' ON FRESH PRINCE, DEAD AT 65

Actor James Avery, most famous for his role as Will Smith's Uncle Phil on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air, has passed away at 65 from complications following open heart surgery. Former co-star and close friend Alfonso Ribeiro broke the news this morning through his Twitter account. Avery passed away at a Los Angeles hospital on New Year's Eve, December 31.

James Avery was a dedicated actor of both film and television for the past 30 years. Avery appeared in more than 30 films since 1980, usually in small supporting roles. But some roles were more memorable such as the MVA instructor on License to Drive and the cranky neighbor from The Brady Bunch Movie. In television, Avery was a character actor appearing in numerous dramas and comedies before taking on the lead role of patriarch Philip Banks on Fresh Prince of Bel-Air.

STAGE, SCREEN, AND TELEVISION LEGEND JULIE HARRIS PASSES AWAY AT 87

Julie Harris, famed stage, screen, and television actress whose career spanned 60 years, passed away yesterday of congestive heart failure. Noted for her acting range and intensity, Ms. Harris was one of few actresses that went from the Broadway stage to the big screen. Some of her most memorable films include The Member of the Wedding, for which she was nominated for an Academy Award, and East of Eden, which set the stage for her close friendship with co-star James Dean.

Despite a successful film career, Ms. Harris' true calling was the Broadway stage and she was repeatedly acknowledged for her talent on the stage. She received ten Tony Award nominations, more than any other performed, and won five Tony Awards for her various works. In 2006, Ms. Harris spoke of her love for the stage; "The Stage! I knew it was where I wanted to be, I loved it all. It became this great source of nourishment, spiritual nourishment, for me. I want to touch people with the meaning of life. What is thrilling about the theater is that it's a forum where people come and for those two or three hours belong to something, to ideas, to a feeling of being a member of the human race."

On television, Ms. Harris frequently had episodic work and appeared and various shows in guest-starring roles. In 1980, Ms. Harris accepted the role of Lilimae Clements on the CBS primetime soap opera Knots Landing.

For seven years, Ms. Harris portrayed Lilimae Clements, mother to the show's main heroine Valene Ewing. Lilimae was a second-rate saloon singer who pursued her musical dreams at the cost of her children, abandoning them at a young age. The mother-daughter relationship was estranged when Lilimae was first introduced but the two reconciled shortly. During her run on the nighttime soap, Lilimae provided support and love to her daughter Valene's problems and dilemmas (Poor Val always had something happen to her each week). Lilimae confronted her own problems on the show as well. She runs over a murderer, Chip Roberts, after learning he killed a popular singer, and then she is carted off to a psychiatric hospital in order to avoid jail time. Upon her release, she meets her new son-in-law Ben Gibson and immediately is at odds with him on just about everything. Things slowly begin to improve when her abandoned son, Joshua Rush, arrives in town. Things are going swell until he marries a pretty lady named Cathy and becomes a televangelist. Joshua becomes unstable and violent towards his wife and is about to kill her when Lilimae stops him, and causes him to fall off the roof during an argument. Ms. Harris had some great moments on the show, and it further demonstrated the caliber of an actress that she was on and off screen.

Julie Harris was 87.

R.I.P. ELMORE LEONARD; REMEMBERING HIS CONTRIBUTION TO TELEVISION

Did you know crime novelist Elmore Leonard inspired several television productions based on his written work? Several of his novels were adapted to TV movies including Gold Coast, Split Images, Glitz, and Pronto. Aside from his extensive film credits, Leonard was the brains behind Maximum Bob, Karen Sisco, and FX's Justified.

Maximum Bob was a short-lived television series based on Elmore Leonard's 1991 novel of the same title. The series was set in the backwoods of Florida, specifically a town called Deepwater. The comedy-drama centered on Judge Bob Gibbs and his world at home and in the courtroom. Eccentric characters shuffling through the court fueled most of the episodic plots. Interestingly, shades of Maximum Bob can be seen in Saturday Night Live's hit-or-miss skit 'Maine Justice.'

Karen Sisco was an adaptation of an adaptation based on another adaptation. It was another short-lived yet considered cancelled-too-soon television drama from 2003. Karen Sisco was a United States Marshal based on Elmore Leonard's character from various novels, as well as the same one featured in the film adaptation of Out of Sight. Based in Miami, the crime drama revolved around Karen Sisco tracking down fugitives in South Beach and Palm Beach.

Justified, which is currently airing on FX, broke the one-season curse for Elmore Leonard. Deputy U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens is based on the popular character from Leonard's novels Pronto and Riding the Rap, as well as the short story "Fire in the Hole." Set in Lexington, Kentucky during modern times, Givens is a lawman influenced by the Old West style of enforcement and justice. His own brand of justice makes him the target of criminals. Additionally, Givens has to reconcile with his personal demons when relocated back to his hometown in Kentucky, a place he left behind for good.

Elmore Leonard, dubbed the "Dickens of Detroit," passed away today due to complications from a stroke he suffered on July 29, 2013. He was 87 years old.

BREAKING NEWS...'GLEE' STAR FOUND DEAD

Sources are reporting that Glee star Cory Monteith was found dead this afternoon at Vancouver's Fairmont Pacific Rim Hotel. No official cause of death has been determined by it is being speculated that it was an overdose. Monteith was 31.

Stay Tuned will update as more information becomes available.