The comedy community and “Ghostbusters” fans everywhere remember Ivan Reitman, who died Saturday at age 75. Actors and filmmakers, including several who have worked closely with Reitman, have paid tribute to the Canadian director and producer who directed the megahit “Ghostbusters” and helped ignite the film careers of comedians like Bill Murray and Dan Aykroyd.
Reitman has also directed “Meatballs” and “Stripes,” and produced such films as “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” “Space Jam,” “Up in the Air,” and last year’s “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”
Tom Rothman, chairman and CEO of Sony Pictures Motion Picture Group, said in a statement, “Tonight the Lady with the Torch weeps, as do all of us at Columbia and moviegoers around the world. Ivan Reitman was an inseparable part of this studio’s legacy, but more than that, he was a friend. A great talent and an even more refined man; He will be greatly missed. We send our condolences to his family.
Actor Kumail Nanjiani called him a “legend”, observing “the number of great films he has made is absurd”.
Emily V Gordon, writer and wife of Nanjiani, said: “What a huge loss. Too many amazing movies to even list here.
A legend. The number of great films he has made is absurd. TEAR. https://t.co/1d1tWCdrcb
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) February 14, 2022
2016’s ‘Ghostbusters’ director Paul Feig said, “I’ve had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it’s always been such a learning experience… All of us in comedy owe him a lot. “
I am in shock. I had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it was always a learning experience. He directed some of my favorite comedies of all time. All of us in comedy owe him a lot. Thank you for everything Ivan. Truly. ❤️❤️ https://t.co/SGnI7OcT9s
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) February 14, 2022
Guy Branum, who appeared in Reitman’s romantic comedy “No Strings Attached,” recalled on Twitter“I have to be in a movie because Ivan Reitman saw me on TV and thought I was funny. He was incredibly nice, incredibly funny, and did so many of my favorite movies. I’m so sorry for the loss of his family.
Actor W. Earl Brown said “Animal House” inspired him to be in movies and “I was thrilled to be cast in ‘Draft Day,’ although as his tweets go, he did It took Reitman a while to gain confidence in his acting.
ANIMAL HOUSE made me want to be in movies, so I was thrilled to be cast in DRAFT DAY. Ivan’s producing partner was a huge DEADWOOD fan, so I think he pushed me to sign up. My first day of filming…
‘Ghostbusters’ director Ivan Reitman dies at 75 https://t.co/nNnFKhGlLU Going through @variety
— W. Earl Brown (@WEarlBrown) February 14, 2022
“Harold and Kumar” writer-director Jon Hurwitz said, “What a legacy of classics” while naming several of Reitman’s well-known titles.
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 has always been kind and supportive when our paths have crossed. My deepest condolences to his family. #TEAR pic.twitter.com/F0q41Cz52l
— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) February 14, 2022
Sam Brown of comedy troupe Whitest Kids U’Know said, “That man was a legend.”
I just heard about Ivan Reitman and I am deeply saddened. Trevor Zach and I had the pleasure of writing with him on a project and it was such an honor. Without hyperbole, the man was a legend. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and those who worked with him on a daily basis.
—Sam Brown (@SamBrown42069) February 14, 2022
The “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” Twitter posted a photo of him in an original Ghostbusters costume and said “see you on the other side.”
We meet on the other side. Rest in Peace Ivan Reitman 10/27/46 – 02/12/2022 pic.twitter.com/Bd9O5DkDz7
— Ghostbusters: Afterlife (@GBAfterlife) February 14, 2022
Songwriter Diane Warren wrote, “Thanks for the movies.”
Very very sad news. Thanks for the movies Ivan Reitman🎬💔 https://t.co/k12QUQl09b
— Diane Warren (@Diane_Warren) February 14, 2022
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