Ivan Reitman–the man behind the cameras for one of the best-loved horror/comedy films of all time–has passed away. The Ghostbusters director was 75.
Reitman–who reportedly passed away peacefully in his sleep this past weekend–was remembered by his family. In a statement to the Associated Press, his children–Jason, Catherine and Caroline Reitman–said the family “is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life.”
The statement continued: “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 first big hit was 1978’s National Lampoon’s Animal House, which opened the directorial door to such blockbusters as Twins, Kindergarten Cop and Space Jam.
But he will always be best remembered by genre fans for his work on the classic 1984 Ghostbusters, starring Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis (who also wrote the screenplay), Bill Murray, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, Rick Moranis and Annie Potts.
That success–Academy Award nominations for Best Original Song and Best Visual Effects–led to a sequel in 1989. Last year’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife was produced by Reitman and directed by son Jason.
The staff of Horror News Network extends its condolences to Reitman’s family, friends and colleagues.
