Nora Ephron, the screenwriter responsible for When Harry Met Sally, Silkwood, Sleepless in Seattle, You've Got Mail, Julie & Julia, died on Tuesday at the age of 71. Lawrence O'Donnell paid tribute to her on that night's edition of The Last Word.
After describing her as a "friend," he said, "I tried to collect my thoughts today when I'd heard that we lost her ... and I couldn't." Instead, he read a statement from Tom Hanks, which read:
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 lofe for us and love for life. Rita and I are so very sad to lose our friend who brought so much joy to all who were lucky enough to know her.
