'Ghostbusters' Director Ivan Reitman Dies At 75; Celebs React
"Ghostbusters" director Ivan Reitman died Saturday night at the age of 75. His children —Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman — released a joint statement to mourn the "unexpected loss."
"Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life," the siblings said, as per AP News. "We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world."
The statement further noted that the family is mourning the death of the director, who died peacefully in his sleep in his California home, "privately." The family said they hope people who know him will always remember him.
Ivan shared his three kids with his wife, actress Geneviève Robert. The couple got married in 1976.
Celebrities immediately took to Twitter to share their reactions to the heartbreaking news.
Paul Feig, who directed the reboot of "Ghostbusters" in 2016, wrote on Twitter that he's in "absolute shock," adding, "I had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it was always such a learning experience."
"He directed some of my favorite comedies of all time," Feig added. "All of us in comedy owe him so very much. Thank you for everything, Ivan. Truly."
Feig also shared a photo of him and Ivan posing together in front of the "Ghostbuster" movie's popular car.
In a separate tweet, Feig shared a snap of Ivan posing with his son Jason. In the caption, Feig recalled how the father-and-son duo remained "supportive" of his career. He also said he will "never be able to truly repay them both."
"Eternals" star Kumail Nanjiani also tweeted a tribute to the late director, writing, "A legend. The number of great movies he made is absurd. RIP."
"Ghostbusters is my first favorite movie ever," he said further.
Iranian professional wrestler The Iron Sheik also honored Ivan in a tweet, noting, "IVAN REITMAN I LOVE YOU FOREVER BUBBA YOU ARE THE BEST EVER."
Meanwhile, actor Josh Horowitz wrote, "RIP to the great Ivan Reitman. What more can be said about GHOSTBUSTERS? Pure glorious entertainment. DAVE is a masterpiece I absolutely adore. So many gifts to my generation of film lovers and makers. Condolences to his family."
Ivan began his career with "Foxy Lady" in 1971 and went on to direct movies like "Cannibal Girls," "Meatballs" and "Stripes." He directed the first installment of "Ghostbusters" in 1984 and its sequel in 1989.
Among his last projects is the documentary "40 Years of Stripes with Bill & Ivan: That's the Fact Jack!," which came out on Oct. 21, 2021. Prior to his death, Ivan was set to direct "Triplets" and "Summer of Love."
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