Well known film director and producer Ivan Reitman sadly passes away at age 75. He died in his sleep at his house in Montecito, CA this past Saturday February 12th. His family released a statement fallowing his death:
“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life. We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.”
He is survived by his wife Geneviève Robert and their three children Jason, Cathrine and Caroline.
The director began his career in television at CITY-TV and eventually found himself producing two films with David Cronenberg with 1975’s Shivers and 1977’s Rabid. His career took off when he produced 1978’s National Lampoon’s Animal House. Afterwards he was able to direct 1979’s Meatballs and 1981’s Stripes while also producing 1981’s Heavy Metal. In 1984 he made his career defining film when he both directed and produced Ghostbusters. He went on to direct films like Twins, Ghostbusters 2 and Kindergarten Cop as well as produce 1997’s Space Jam.
Believe it or not Reitman had a few connections with Disney. He directed 1998’s Six Days, Seven Nights under the Buena Vista Pictures label as well as serving as executive producer for 2020’s Godmothered. He also produced 1987’s Big Shorts, 2009’s Post Grad and 2012’s Hitchcock as well as directed 2006’s My Super-Ex Girlfriend all at 20th Century Fox (Now 20th Century Pictures).
The director’s last major project was 2021’s crowd pleasing Ghostbusters: Afterlife, directed by his son Jason. A film about a new generation of Ghostbusters while also being helmed by a new generation of Ritemans. A passing of the torch not only in the film but also in real life.
We will not forget the many laughs he has given us over the years and his legacy will live on and continue to entertain and inspire every generation that comes after.
Source: Variety
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