Ivan Reitman, the influential director and producer of wildly popular comedies “Ghostbusters,” “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and “Twins,” has died aged 75.
On Monday, Reitman’s son Jason — himself a director of films such as “Juno” and “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” — tweeted: “I’ve lost my hero.”
Arnold Schwarzenegger, who moved from violent action films into comedies “Twins,” “Kindergarten Cop” and “Junior” thanks to Reitman, led the praise from across Hollywood for a “legend” and “comedy royalty.”
“I’ll always be grateful that he took a chance on this Austrian action-hero in a comedy during a time when the studios just wanted me to focus on finding new ways to kill bad guys, blow things up, and show off some muscles,” said Schwarzenegger.
Reitman produced the 1978 hit “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” which became one of the most beloved and chaotic depictions of the system of fraternities and sororities in US colleges.
But it was 1984’s “Ghostbusters” — one of the most popular comedies ever made — that launched a Hollywood dynasty.
The story of four men dressed in a version of firefighting gear tackling marshmallow monsters and slimy green spirits in a bid to save New York from a supernatural takeover has spawned several sequels and reboots.
The outfits worn by its four stars remain one of the most popular and recognizable Halloween costumes to this day.
Tom Rothman, CEO of Sony Pictures which owns “Ghostbusters” studio Columbia Pictures, praised “a great talent and even finer man.”
Reitman was born in Komarno, in what is now Slovakia, on October 27, 1946.
His Jewish parents survived the Nazis but, four years after his birth, fled Czechoslovakia to escape communism.
They eventually made their home in Toronto.
He is survived by his son Jason, and daughters Catherine — also an actor and producer — and Caroline.
“He came from a family of survivors and turned his legacy into laughter,” wrote Jason. (ABS-CBN News)
