Ivan Reitman, the director of hit films including Ghostbusters, Kindergarten Cop and Twins, has died at the age of 75.
Reitman died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night at his home in Monetcito, California, his family told The Associated Press. No cause of death was given.
His children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman said in a joint statement: "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."
The film and television director was born in Komarmo, Czechoslovakia in 1946. When Reitman was four-years-old, he and his family fled communist oppression, moving to Canada as refugees.
He was known for bawdy comedies, making his big break as the producer of National Lampoon's Animal House in 1978.
He later directed Bill Murray in his first starring role in Meatballs (1979) and again in Stripes (1981).
Reitman gained huge success with 1984's supernatural comedy Ghostbusters starring Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson and Harold Ramis, which went on to gross nearly $300m worldwide and earn two Oscar nominations.
Tributes have been paid to the late director on Twitter.
The official Ghostbusters account said he was "an inseparable part of this studio's legacy, but more than that he was a friend."
"Tonight, the lady with the torch weeps, as do all of us at Columbia, and film lovers around the world. Ivan Reitman was an inseparable part of this studio's legacy, but more than that he was a friend. (1/2) pic.twitter.com/saVhBoBgFG
— Ghostbusters (@Ghostbusters) February 14, 2022
Actor and writer Mindy Kaling said Reitman was "old school in the best way, and kind".
Ivan Reitman was old school in the best way, and kind. I loved working with him. It's sad he’s gone, it makes me feel older and like my childhood movies are more faraway than ever. RIP ❤️
— Mindy Kaling (@mindykaling) February 14, 2022
Director Judd Apatow hailed him as "a true legend".
Opening night of Ghostbusters at UA Plainview was like a rock concert. The place exploded with joy. It was one of the most memorable moments of my childhood. Ivan Reitman influenced everything we all love about film comedy. A true legend. https://t.co/AHKAoo1ahB
— Judd Apatow (@JuddApatow) February 14, 2022
Filmmaker Jon Hurwitz listed many of Reitman's classic movies and said he was "always so kind and supportive".
Animal House, Meatballs, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Beethoven, Dave, Space Jam, Private Parts, Road Trip, Old School. What a legacy of classics. Ivan Reitman was always kind and supportive when our paths crossed. My deepest condolences to his family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/F0q41Cz52l
— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) February 14, 2022
Bridesmaids director Paul Feig said it was "such a sad day".
Sending so much love to the great @JasonReitman for the loss of his amazing father Ivan. Jason and Ivan have always been so supportive of me throughout my career and I'll never be able to truly repay them both. This is such a sad day. ❤️❤️❤️ pic.twitter.com/JUCTJuIwrq
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) February 14, 2022
Actor Josh Horowitz paid tribute to the "great" filmmaker who gave "so many gifts to my generation of film lovers and makers".
RIP to the great Ivan Reitman. What more can be said about GHOSTBUSTERS? Pure glorious entertainment. DAVE is a masterpiece I absolutely adore. So many gifts to my generation of film lovers and makers. Condolences to his family.
— Josh Horowitz (@joshuahorowitz) February 14, 2022
Reitman is survived by his wife, Genevieve, and their three children.
