Mike Nichols and Elaine May were influential figures in American comedy and film. They began their careers in the 1950s as a comedy duo, known for their sharp wit and improvisational style. Their partnership was marked by a unique blend of humor and social commentary, which resonated with audiences of the time. Later, Nichols transitioned to directing, achieving critical acclaim for films like The Graduate and Who's Afraid of Virginia Woolf?. May also found success as a director and screenwriter, known for her work on films such as Mikey and Nicky and Ishtar. Together, they left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry.