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American filmmaker Ivan Reitman, one of the most iconic writers, producers, and directors in all of Hollywood, has passed a way at the age of 75, according to a statement from his family. Let’s honor the legend by taking a look back at his storied career and what others in Hollywood had to say about his legacy…
Ivan Reitman – An Icon Of the Film Industry
Universal Pictures
Without a doubt, Ivan Reitman was behind some of the greatest films of all time. Now, sadly, he has left us. “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 — wife Geneviève and children Jason, Catherine and Caroline Reitman — said in a statement this week. “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.”
In the 70s, 80s, and 90s, Reitman helped create some of the most beloved movies of all time, from his early hits like National Lampoon’s Animal House and Stripes, which starred Bill Murray, John Candy and Harold Ramis, to more recent hits, like Ghostbusters: Afterlife. Along the way he also directed massive moneymakers like Twins and Kindergarten Cop – both starring Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger – as well as Dave, starring Kevin Kline.
Back in 2007, while speaking on the news program The Hour, Reitman said that it wasn’t actually that hard to spot a future comedy star. “You get a sense after a while when you’re seeing something special in a person,” he explained. “They have a way of taking stage, or taking a screen. It’s not just that they know how to say something funny — there’s something about their face where you just have to keep looking at them.”
Now many of the writers and actors who Reitman helped make into stars are remembering the film giant for the kind man he was…
Hollywood Remembers Reitman
Arnold Schwarzenegger/Instagram
Since the announcement of his passing, many of Hollywood’s greatest stars have tenderly remembered Reitman and all he did. “Feeling heartbreak today for Geneviève, Catherine, Caroline, Jason and family. The loss of my friend, collaborator, champion and one of the last great creative talents of the BIG SCREEN ERA crumples me. Now on Thursdays who am I gonna call?” comedy legend Dan Aykroyd, who worked with Reitman numerous times, wrote on Twitter.
Schwarzenegger gave his thanks for Reitman seeing his comedic voice, instead of demanding muscles. “That’s why Ivan was a great director and friend: he could see something in you that other people didn’t, and he could help you show the rest of the world,” the star and former Governor wrote on Instagram. “He took a chance on this Austrian action-hero in a comedy during a time when the studios just wanted me to focus on finding new ways to kill bad guys, blow things up, and show off some muscles.”
However, the most touching tribute by far fame from Reitman’s son, Jason, who is also a director. Jason posted an old photo of him and his father, along with the caption: “I’ve lost my hero. All I want is the chance to tell my father one more story. He came from a family of survivors and turned his legacy into laughter… Enjoy his movies and remember his storytelling gifts. Nothing would make him happier.”
Rest in peace Ivan Reitman. You made the world a better place.
