Credits include Animal House, Twins, Space Jam and so many more

Ivan Reitman, the producer and director behind the likes of Ghostbusters and Animal House has died at the age of 75.

Reitman died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night at his home in Montecito, California, his family said. No cause of death was given.

In a statement to the Associated Press, his children Jason, Catherine and Caroline Reitman said: ‘ Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life

‘We take comfort that his work as a film-maker 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.’

Born in Komarmo, Czechia, he grew up in Toronto after his family fled Communism when he was aged four. In 1975, he produced the National Lampoon stage show starring Bill Murray, John Belushi  Gilda Radner and Harold Ramis – all of whom would  become his regular collaborator.

His breakthrough came when he produced National Lampoon's Animal House in 1978 and directed Meatballs the following year. The latter film also marked the first starring role for Murray.

Other directorial successes included Twins, Kindergarten Cop and Dave as  well as the first two Ghostbusters movies; while he also produced Beethoven, Space Jam and Private Parts.

Last year, it was reported that Reitman was planning  to make a sequel to Twins, with 30 Rock comedian Tracy Morgan  joining  Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito as unlikely siblings.

Those paying tribute online today included  Paul Feig, who directed the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot.

He  wrote: ‘I had the honour of working so closely with Ivan and it was always such a learning experience … All of us in comedy owe him so very much.’

Judd Apatow said: ‘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.’

Fellow film-maker Jon Hurwitz added: ‘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 was always kind and supportive when our paths crossed. My deepest condolences to his family.’

And Tom Rothman, chairman  of Sony Pictures said: ‘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.  A great talent and an even finer man; he will be dearly missed. We send his family all our condolences.’

Reitman is survived by his wife, Genevieve, and their three children. Jason followed in his father’s footsteps as a film maker with Thank You For Smoking, Juno – and last year’s update of the Ghostbusters franchise: Afterlife; and Catherine created the Canadian comedy series Workin' Mums.

Published: 14 Feb 2022