Ivan Reitman, Director of Ghostbusters, Dead at 75

Ivan Reitman, director of Ghostbusters and the iconic film Dead at 75 is being mourned by his friends in Hollywood. Reitman’s career spanned decades including directing This is Spinal Tap as well as producing films like Stand By Me, Twins and Animal House with frequent collaborators Bill Murray and Harold Ramis.

Ivan Reitman, the director of Ghostbusters, died on June 6th at the age of 75. He was a renowned and award-winning filmmaker who also directed The Flintstones in Viva Rock Vegas, Kindergarten Cop, Twins, and Dave.

Image courtesy of Sony Pictures

Ivan Reitman, the genius filmmaker behind classic action/thriller/comedies including Ghostbusters, Twins, and Kindergarten Cop, died at the age of 75.

Reitman’s death was verified by his family today, who informed the Associated Press that he died quietly in his sleep on Saturday night at his home in Montecito, California. His passing provoked a barrage of tweets from his friends and colleagues, many of whom hailed him as a legend who directed some of cinema’s finest comedy.

I’m completely taken aback. I had the privilege of working closely with Ivan, and it was always an educational experience for me. He directed some of my all-time favorite comedy. We all owe him a debt of gratitude in the comedy world. Ivan, thank you very much for everything. Truly. ❤️❤️ https://t.co/SGnI7OcT9s

February 14, 2022 — Paul Feig (@paulfeig)

In a joint statement, Reitman’s children (Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman, and Caroline Reitman) stated, “Our family is mourning the untimely death of a husband, father, and grandpa who taught us to always seek the wonder in life.”

“We take solace in the fact that his work as a filmmaker gave joy and amusement to many people all over the globe.” While we grieve privately, we hope that those who knew him through his films will never forget him.”

According to Reitman’s IMDb profile, he was working on Triplets, a sequel to Twins that would reunite Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito’s characters, but it’s unknown what will happen to that project now.

Ivan Reitman, producer and director of ‘Ghostbusters,’ died at the age of 75. (AP)

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 the summer camp comedy “Meatballs,” and again in 1981’s “Stripes,” but “Ghostbusters” was his most notable hit.
Not only did the irreverent supernatural comedy starring Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Rick Moranis gross nearly $300 million worldwide, but it also earned two Academy Award nominations and spawned a veritable franchise, including spinoffs, television shows, and a new film, “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” which debuted this year. Jason Reitman, his son, directed the film.
“Twins,” “Kindergarten Cop,” “Dave,” “Junior,” and 1998’s “Six Days, Seven Nights” are among his other significant flicks. He also produced “Beethoven,” “Old School,” “EuroTrip,” and a number of other films, including his son’s Oscar-nominated “Up in the Air.”