UPDATE: Following Death of Mike Nichols, Meryl Streep Cancels Tonight's LETTERMAN Appearance

CBS has confirmed that INTO THE WOODS star Meryl Streep will no longer be a guest on tonight's 'Late Show with David Letterman'. Actor Edward Norton will now appear on the broadcast along with musical guest Jessye Norman. The show airs 11:35 PM-12:37 AM, ET/PT.

While no official reason has been given for the cancellation, it is known that the actress was a close friend to director Mike Nichols who passed away suddenly yesterday at the age of 83. Streep, who worked with Nichols on 1983's Silkwood, 1986's Heartburn, the 1990 comedy Postcards from the Edge, and the two-part 2003 HBO minsiseries Angels in America responded to today's news in USA Today, commenting: "An inspiration and joy to know, a director who cried when he laughed, a friend without whom, well, we can't imagine our world, an indelible irreplaceable man."

About LATE SHOW WITH David Letterman:

One look at the LATE SHOW makes it apparent that the program, which is often imitated but never matched, is unlike any other talk show. With its commitment to showcasing the most sought-after stars in entertainment, music, sports and politics, as well as its around-the-town remotes and visits to local establishments, its surprise guest appearances, inventive comedy segments and signature Top Ten List, the LATE SHOW delivers an unpredictable hour of innovative viewing each night.

The LATE SHOW has received numerous honors, including 70 Emmy nominations and nine Emmy Awards, including six for Outstanding Variety, Music or Comedy Program in 1994, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001 and 2002. The show was named Program of the Year at the 1994 Television Critics Awards, and in 1995, 2001, 2011 and 2012, Letterman was nominated for a Career Achievement Award by the TCA. Letterman was awarded the prestigious Johnny Carson Award for Comedic Excellence at Comedy Central's first annual "The Comedy Awards" in March 2011. He has won two AMERICAN COMEDY AWARDS as Funniest Male Performer in a Television Series and a Foundation Award from the International Radio and Television Society for his "extraordinary domi­nation in late-night television." Letterman was also honored as "Favorite Late Night Talk Show Host" at the 31st Annual People's Choice Awards in 2005.

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