ABC Diane Sawyer's husband Mike Nichols died suddenly last night from cardiac arrest.

The 83 year old Nichols was an award winning director and entertainment icon.

Nichols’ death was announced in a statement by ABC News President James Goldston.

“He was a true visionary, winning the highest honors in the arts for his work as a director, writer, producer and comic and was one of a tiny few to win the EGOT-an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar and a Tony in his lifetime,” Goldston said in the statement.

“No one was more passionate about his craft than Mike."

Nichols is survived by his wife, children Daisy, Max and Jenny, and four grandchildren.