Ivan Reitman, a legendary producer and director of numerous comedy films including “Ghostbusters,” “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” “Meatballs” and “Kindergarten Cop,” among others, has passed away aged 75. During his lengthy career, Reitman was in charge of numerous major box-office comedies that became iconic to the generations that grew up with them.
“Ghostbusters” was nominated for two Oscars, and it spawned a sequel and the recent spinoff, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which was directed by his son Jason and released last year. Starring Bill Murray, Dan Akroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis, “Ghostbusters” grossed nearly $300 million worldwide. “Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” Reitman’s family told The Associated Press. “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.”
Reitman talked about “Ghostbusters” in an 1984 interview with the AP saying, “I always had a sort of sincere approach to the comedy. I took it seriously even though, it was a horror movie and a comedy, I felt you had to sort of deal with it in a kind of realistic and honest way.”
Director Kevin Smith paid tribute to Reitman on Twitter: “Meatballs, Stripes, & Ghostbusters = This trilogy truly shaped my career. Randal, Brodie, & Banky are the children of Tripper, Winger, & Venkman. So thank you, IVAN REITMAN; your movies made me make my movies. Your work is a part of my creative DNA. I’m lucky you ever existed.”
“Ghostbusters” co-star Ernie Hudson tweeted: “I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ivan’ Reitman. Truly a great man and filmmaker who I had honor and privilege of knowing and working with. Deepest condolences to Jason and the entire family. May he RIP #jasonReitman.” Even The Iron Sheik chimed in: “IVAN REITMAN I LOVE YOU FOREVER BUBBA YOU ARE THE BEST EVER.”
The filmmaker was born in Komarmo, Czechslovakia, on Oct. 27, 1946. His parents, Klara and Ladislav “Leslie” Reitman, were Hungarian Jews. His family moved to Canada as refugees when he was 4 years old to escape the communist dictatorship taking over the country.
