Ivan Reitman, the iconic filmmaker and producer behind hits like “Animal House” and “Ghostbusters,” has passed away at the age of 75. His family told The Associated Press that Reitman died quietly in his sleep Saturday night at his home in Montecito, Calif.
“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman said 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’s big break came when he produced the raunchy college fraternity sendup “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” which he wrote and directed. He directed Bill Murray in his first leading role in “Meatballs” and again in “Stripes,” but “Ghostbusters” in 1984 was his most notable success.
Other notable film include “Twins,” “Kindergarten Cop,” “Dave,” “Junior,” and “Six Days, Seven Nights.” He also produced a number of films, including “Beethoven,” “Old School,” and “EuroTrip,” as well as several for his son, filmmaker Jason Reitman.
Reitman most recently produced “Space Jam: A New Legacy” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife.”