Hollywood legend Nora Ephron has died. Friend and "Washington Post" columnist Richard Cohen says Ephron, the screenwriter behind some of film's most memorable romantic comedies, passed away Tuesday at a hospital in New York. She was 71. Cohen's confirmation came just hours after word got out that Ephron was gravely ill amid premature reports that said she had already succumbed to illness. Ephron reportedly died of complications from the blood disorder myelodysplasia. She was diagnosed with the illness several years ago.
A writer, director and producer, Ephron was often touted as one of the most powerful women in the entertainment industry. She received three Academy Award nominations for her films "Silkwood," "When Harry Met Sally" and "Sleepless In Seattle." Her other film credits include "Michael," "You've Got Mail" the 2005 film version of "Bewitched" and 2009's "Julie & Julia." From 1976 to 1980, Ephron was famously married to journalist Carl Bernstein who played a key role with Bob Woodward during the Watergate Scandal. She was married to her third husband "Goodfellas" author and screenwriter Nicholas Pileggi for more than 20 years at the time of her passing.
