Hollywood screenwriter and director Nora Ephron, who penned such films as When Harry Met Sally and Sleepless in Seattle, has died at the age of 71, BBC News reported.

Alfred P Knopf, Ephron's publisher, confirmed her death on Tuesday night in a statement.
 

Actor Tom Hanks said in a tribute: "She lifted us all with wisdom and wit mixed with love for us and love for life.

Her son told the New York Times she died in Manhattan of complications relating to acute myeloid leukaemia.

The writer grew up in California, and started her career reporting for the New York Post.

"She brought an awful lot of people a tremendous amount of joy," her publisher said in a statement. "She will be sorely missed."

Her 15 film credits also include You've Got Mail, Silkwood and Julie and Julia, which was her final film, in 2009.

She was nominated for an Oscar three times, but never won the award.

When Harry Met Sally star Billy Crystal is among the Hollywood actors who have been paying her tribute.

"I am very sad to learn of Nora's passing. She was a brilliant writer and humorist," said Crystal. "Being her Harry to Meg's Sally will always have a special place in my heart.