Ivan Reitman, the director and producer behind popular comedies, including Ghostbusters, is dead, the Associated Press announced on Sunday, February 13. He was 75 years old. He passed away peacefully in his sleep on Saturday evening at his home in Montecito, California, United States, his family informed the American press agency.
“Our family mourns the unexpected loss of a husband, father and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life”his children, Jason, Catherine and Caroline Reitman, said in a joint statement. “We are heartened that his work as a filmmaker has brought laughter and happiness to countless people around the world. As we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will always remember him. »
Author of bawdy comedies, Reitman really made himself known with the film American College, on college fraternities, which he produced. But his greatest success was Ghostbustersin 1984.
supernatural and irreverent comedy
This irreverent ghostbuster comedy starred Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. It has grossed nearly $300 million worldwide, and been nominated for two Oscars. A success that spawned a true franchise, including spin-offs, TV shows and a new movie, Ghostbusters: The Legacyreleased in 2021, directed by his own son, filmmaker Jason Reitman.
Other achievements of Ivan Reitman include Twins, Kindergarten Cop, President for a day, Junior and six days seven nights. He also produced Beethoven, back to college and sex tripas well as numerous other films, including several for his son, filmmaker Jason Reitman.
Ivan Reitman was born in Komarmo, Czechoslovakia, in 1946, where his father owned the largest vinegar factory in the country. When the Communists began imprisoning capitalists after the war, the Reitmans decided to flee, when Ivan Reitman was only 4 years old. They traveled in the nailed hold of a barge bound for Vienna.
The Reitmans then joined a relative in Toronto, where Ivan very quickly showed his sense of showmanship: he created a puppet theatre, hosted summer camps, played in cafés with a folk music group. He studied music and drama at McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, and began making short films.