Screenwriter and director Nora Ephron worked with some of the most famous and accomplished actors in the movie business during her 30-odd years in Hollywood. Ephron's influence on film in that time is hard to overstate -- and she was also known as a vivacious host, who became close friends with many of her collaborators. So when news of her death at the age of 71 started to spread Tuesday night, her friends and collaborators were left reeling.
Billy Crystal, whose titular role in the Nora Ephron-penned 1989 classic "When Harry Met Sally" was arguably his most famous film appearance, sent a written statement on the sad event to The Huffington Post:
"I am very sad to learn of Nora's passing. She was a brilliant writer and humorist. 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. "
Nicole Kidman starred in Ephron's 2005 film adaptation of 60s TV show "Bewitched." She described Ephron as "a joy to be around," who was "so smart, warm and funny" in a written statement sent to The Huffington Post on Tuesday evening. She continued:
“I am so grateful that she was my friend and we had the opportunity to work together. My thoughts and love are with her family at this time. I will never forget the dinners, games and laughter we all shared.”
It's a sad day in Hollywood; HuffPost Entertainment will bring you more as we speak with more of Ephron's friends and colleagues.