Director Mike Nichols, who won an Oscar for his work creating the 1967 film "The Graduate," died Wednesday of a cardiac arrest in his New York home, ABC News reports.

The German-born U.S. director was nominated for Academy Awards for other films he directed including "Working Girl," "The Remains of the Day," "Silkwood" and "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?"

Nichols' work was one of only a dozen winners to receive awards in all four major U.S. entertainment categories -- an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.

His last directorial role was on the 2007 period piece, "Charlie Wilson's War," starring Tom Hanks and Julia Roberts.

"No one was more passionate about his craft than Mike," ABC News president James Goldston said.

Goldston described Nichols as a "true visionary."

"In a triumphant career that spanned over six decades, Mike created some of the most iconic works of American film, television and theatre," he continued.

Nichols began his career in the late 1950s when he became part of a comedy group along with Elaine May. The duo released three best-selling albums, one of which earned them a Grammy for best comedy album in 1962.

When he turned to directing, Nichols directed the Broadway work "Barefoot in the Park," Neil Simon's smash-hit starring Robert Redford. The show earned Nichols a Tony. He reunited with Simon for "The Odd Couple" and "Luv," which also garnered Tonys.

Nichols' directorial debut also earned him great success, first working with Elizabeth Taylor and Richard Burton on "Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?" in 1966. The film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Director.

Nichols was married to ABC News presenter Diane Sawyer since 1988. The marriage was his fourth. He was previously married to Patricia Scott, Margot Callas and Annabel Davis-Goff, according to Hollywood Life. He fathered three children; one daughter with Callas and a son and daughter with Davis-Goff.

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