Elaine May's Tribute to Mike Nichols

Comedy Palace favorites Nichols and May have not worked together as an active comedy team in almost fifty years. But because of their subsequent independent careers -- Mike Nichols as one of our best directors, and Elaine May as one of our best screenwriters -- they remain linked, even when they're not collaborating on a film, as in The Birdcage and Primary Colors. Earlier this year, the American Film Institute honored Mike Nichols with its Lifetime Achievement Award. Elaine May, with the signature wry, faux-confused delivery which made her one of comedy's brightest lights, delivered this speech in tribute to her old stage partner.



The original Comedy Palace appearance of Nichols and May includes a history of the team, along with audio clips of their work together. Other Comedy Palace appearances of the team are here and here.