Jonathan K (Max Outlier)’s Reviews > Nora Ephron: A Biography > Status Update

PS.. As I mentioned in a previous update, Nora became friends with the Oscar winning director Mike Nichols who mentored her for years. For those who may not follow directors, Mike directed The Birdcage, the hit that starred Robin Williams and Gene Hackman!

Nora passed in June 2012 and her countless friends held a celebration called, A Gathering for Nora, that cost over $100K with over $20K in catering. Meryl and others felt the announcement of her death was an ambush and couldn't believe it. So sad to lose someone like this

Great trivia. In 2009 prior to the general release of Julie & Julia, Nora, Meryl and Tucci joined the Obamas for a private screening at the White House! We don't hear about things like this very often!

Fortunately for all of us Nora lived until 2012. When she'd finished the mediocre film, Bewitched, with Nicole Kidman and Will Ferrell, she ran into Meryl Streep when she was cast in a NY play. It was here that Julie & Julia took foot and for that we are all grateful. In my humble opinion it's the creme de la creme for Nora

For those of us who weren't aware of the terminal disease Nora hid from most, in 2005 she told Delia it was MDS, a rare blood condition that affected cells in bone marrow and was told she had six months to live. Shattering to say the least

What becomes clear when reading bios of film directors/ writers is the majority know of their hits but nothing about the flops and Nora had plenty including a play that closed after 76 performances on Broadway. She had quite a few mediocre films as well.

Fascinating that You've Got Mail was her biggest grossing film and one of the top from female directors. On the flip side, the screen writing collaboration between Nora and Delia on Mail moved to the adaptation of Delia's novel about their parents and caused the demise of their friendship.

The roller coaster rises when she directs John Travolta, William Hurt and Andie McDowell in, Michael, her third highest grossing movie! While I loved the film I'd totally forgotten she was the director!

I doubt most of us are aware of all the films Nora directed since a number of them failed. She went from directing the hit, Sleepless in Seattle, to Mixed Nuts, a star studded flop! My Blue Heaven, the Steve Martin film also failed to attract viewers. Such is life of a writer and film director

Oops.. Her husband is Nick not Phil, lol.. So many names and places in the bio it's hard to remember them all