Influential comedy director Ivan Reitman has passed away at the age of 75, his family confirms.
“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” stated children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman, and Caroline Reitman in a joint statement. “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, who began producing films in the 70s, including National Lampoon’s Animal House, became a hit writer and director in the 80s. 1981’s Stripes starring Bill Murray and Harold Ramis was a hit grossing $85 million off a $10 million budget. Reitman followed that up with Ghostbusters, which became a pop-culture staple and raked in nearly $300 million at the box office. Reitman would go on to direct the sequel, Ghostbusters II, and work closely with Arnold Schwarzenegger on Twins, Kindergarten Cop, and Junior.
The success of Reitman would continue into the 21st century as after Evolution starring David Duchovny, Reitman would direct My Super Ex-Girlfriend, and wrote and directed No Strings Attached, which brought in nearly $150 million on a $25 million budget. His final motion picture was 2014’s Draft Day starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner, which was a sports drama.
ComingSoon sends condolences to Reitman’s family and friends during this time.
