No. 347

Hollywood writer Nora Ephron dies aged 71‎

Hollywood screenwriter and director Nora Ephron, who penned such films as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, has died at the age of 71.

Alfred P Knopf, Ephron's publisher, confirmed her death on Tuesday night in a statement.

Actor Tom Hanks said in a tribute: "She lifted us all with wisdom and wit mixed with love for us and love for life.

Her son told the New York Times she died in Manhattan of complications relating to acute myeloid leukaemia.

The writer grew up in California, and started her career reporting for the New York Post.

"She brought an awful lot of people a tremendous amount of joy," her publisher said in a statement. "She will be sorely missed."

'Brilliant writer'
Her 15 film credits also include You've Got Mail, Silkwood and Julie and Julia, which was her final film, in 2009.

She was nominated for an Oscar three times, but never won the award.

When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal is among the Hollywood actors who have been paying her tribute.

"I am very sad to learn of Nora's passing. She was a brilliant writer and humorist," said Crystal. "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."

Hanks, who played lead roles in both Sleepless in Seattle and You've Got Mail, said he and his wife Rita Wilson were "so very sad" to have lost a friend "who brought so much joy to all who were lucky enough to know her".

In a statement, Hanks said: "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."

Read more |  BBC News, 28.06.12

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