You might not necessarily have heard of Nora Ephron, but if you love movies, you're certainly more than familiar with her work. The three-time Oscar-nominated screenwriter (for Silkwood, When Harry Met Sally... and Sleepless in Seattle), director, writer, and producer died of leukemia yesterday at the age of 71, leaving behind an amazing legacy of sharply written dialogue, memorable characters, and films that continue to leave an indelible impression.
Ephron, who started out as an intern for JFK (she called herself "the only intern Kennedy didn't hit on"), was the writer behind movies like When Harry Met Sally..., Julie & Julia, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, Heartburn (based on her novel about her failed marriage to Washington Post reporter Carl Bernstein), and Silkwood, and directed eight movies, including Julie & Julia, You've Got Mail, Sleepless in Seattle, and Michael.
She once said, "I try to write parts for women that are as complicated and interesting as women actually are." And she truly was a shining example of the amazing contributions women for far too long were kept from bringing to Hollywood.
I can honestly say that When Harry Met Sally... is one of my favorite movies of all time (I thought it should have been nominated for Best Picture that year) and nearly 25(!) years after it was released, I can still quote lines from it. (And not just "I'll have what she's having.") And if you can watch the last scene of Sleepless in Seattle, you are made of stone.
RIP, Nora Ephron. Thanks for sharing your mind, your talent, your wit, and your heart with movie lovers everywhere. We are truly fortunate your words and your genius will live on.
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