Film stars and other celebrities are paying tribute to Ivan Reitman, the legendary movie director and producer who died February 12, 2022, at age 75. Reitman enjoyed a significant run of success with iconic film comedies that began in the late ’70s.
After the Czechoslovakian filmmaker produced National Lampoon’s Animal House (1978), he then shone as a director on such box-office hits as Meatballs (1979) and Stripes (1981), both starring Bill Murray, Ghostbusters (1984) and its first sequel Ghostbusters II (1989), and a series of comedic star turns for Arnold Schwarzenegger, Twins (1988), Kindergarten Cop (1990) and Junior (1994).
Many of those films’ stars are paying tribute to their friend. Ghostbusters star Dan Aykroyd wrote, “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?”
Schwarzenegger penned a lengthy tribute to his “fantastic friend.”
“Thanks for everything, Ivan.
“Ivan Reitman is a legend. In Hollywood, he was bigger than life. He was comedy royalty.
“In life, he was a mensch – a wonderful father and husband, a fantastic friend, a great human being. He was kind, he was generous, he was smart as hell, and he was always there for you.
“I am devastated, and my thoughts are with the Reitman family.
“If you knew him, Ivan had a way of making himself a part of your story, and he certainly wrote a chunk of mine. I’ll always be grateful that 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. I knew I could make it in comedy, but I needed someone else to know it to make it a reality. 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.
“Making Twins, Junior, and Kindergarten Cop with Ivan was heaven for me. Spending the last few years working with him on Triplets, and once again seeing his passion and genius up close, was a joy. Just last week, I was talking about how excited I was to be on set again with Ivan this fall.
“I can’t believe I won’t work with him again or hang out with him again or just schmooze about life again. But I also know that Ivan isn’t gone, he’s still with us. He’s here, in so many pages of my story. And if you were ever lucky enough to meet him, or just experienced his work, he’s part of your story, too.
“Thanks for everything, Ivan.”
From fellow stars of Ghostbusters…
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
— Ernie Hudson (@Ernie_Hudson) February 14, 2022
View this post on Instagram
“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
From one of the stars of National Lampoon’s Animal House…
Ivan Reitman: the dearest soul, most gentle man, and a great producer/director. He had it all, and did it all. Proud to have worked with him and known him over the years! pic.twitter.com/3rnBLSS390
— Tim Matheson (@Tim_Matheson) February 15, 2022
Mr. Ivan Reitman. Comic Maestro. He cast me in STRIPES and inspired me to be funny. Condolences to his family. pic.twitter.com/eSOkgh0NWz
— John B. Larroquette (@johnlarroquette) February 14, 2022
Watch a classic scene from Stripes
Jason Reitman, who directed and co-wrote 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, paid tribute to his father.
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.
Thank you for the kind messages. Enjoy his movies and remember his storytelling gifts. Nothing would make him happier. pic.twitter.com/tSijfxSnLg— Jason Reitman (@JasonReitman) February 14, 2022
From Ron Howard: “Ivan Reitman was a remarkable filmmaker who raised the bar for all of us through his wit, intelligence, talent, & ability to present stories in ways once seen we would forever adore. Condolences to the family, Jason & all of those pals who helped him make the unforgettable magic.”
From director Judd Apatow: “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.”
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
We started our careers together 50 years ago in Toronto and I followed his career with pride as he rose to the top echelon of the entertainment business. R.I.P. Ivan.
— Eugene Levy (@Realeugenelevy) February 14, 2022
Related: Musicians and other celebrities we’ve lost in 2022
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