Ivan Reitman Tributes Flood in After 'Ghostbusters' Director Dead Aged 75

Tributes are pouring in for Ivan Reitman, renowned comedy director who has died at the age of 75.

Known for hit movies like Ghostbusters and National Lampoon's Animal House, the Canadian director and producer Reitman died peacefully in his sleep on Saturday night at his home in Montecito, California, his family has confirmed.

"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 to AP.

"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."

Ivan Reitman
Ivan Reitman attends the premiere of "Father Figures" at TCL Chinese Theatre on December 13, 2017 in Hollywood, California. The comedy director has died at the age of 75. Jason LaVeris/Getty/FilmMagic

Some of Reitman's other notable works include Meatballs, Stripes, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Dave, Junior and Six Days, Seven Nights.

He also produced Beethoven, Old School and EuroTrip.

Director Paul Feig—who directed the 2016 reboot of Ghostbusters—is leading the tributes to the late filmmaker.

"I had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it was always such a learning experience," Feig tweeted. "He directed some of my favorite comedies of all time. All of us in comedy owe him so very much."

Comedian Kumail Nanjiani called Reitman a "legend" and added: "The number of great movies he made is absurd."

MTV News' Josh Horowitz tweeted: "RIP to the great Ivan Reitman. What more can be said about GHOSTBUSTERS? Pure glorious entertainment. DAVE is a masterpiece I absolutely adore. So many gifts to my generation of film lovers and makers. Condolences to his family."

Chris Hewitt of Empire magazine tweeted: "This is awful news to wake up to. Whether it's comedy generally or Cronenberg specifically, Ivan Reitman's cinematic impact cannot be overstated. GHOSTBUSTERS alone would be enough for any director, but he had so much more up his sleeve. My love for DAVE knows no bounds. RIP."

Ghostbusters actor Ernie Hudson added: "I am deeply saddened by the loss of Ivan' Reitman. Truly a great man and filmmaker who I had honor and privilege of knowing and working with. Deepest condolences to Jason and the entire family. May he RIP."

Podcaster Marc Maron shared a selfie with the late director and tweeted: "RIP Ivan Reitman. Very sad. Here's our talk from 2014."

Actress and screenwriter Mindy Kaling also shared a sweet tribute to Reitman, tweeting: "Ivan Reitman was old school in the best way, and kind. I loved working with him. It's sad he's gone, it makes me feel older and like my childhood movies are more faraway than ever. RIP."

Voice actor Maurice LaMarche added: "Just learned of the death of #IvanReitman. Deeply saddened. A fellow Toronto native, he truly redefined film comedy. I'm forever grateful to him for letting me stand on the shoulders of another comedy giant, #HaroldRamis, as the animated Egon in #TheRealGhostbusters. RIP, sir."

"Very sad to hear this news about Ivan Reitman, a hugely gifted and funny man who gave much laughter to the world," said Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Canada to the United Nations Bob Rae.

"His movies reflected his talent, imagination and ability to inspire so much talent. Condolences to his family and friends in Canada, the US, and around the world."

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