Ivan Reitman: 1946 - 2022

Director and producer Ivan Reitman, helmer of the beloved GHOSTBUSTERS, has passed away at 75. 

 

Born in Czechoslovakia in 1946, Ivan Reitman and his parents arrived in Canada as refugees; his mother was a survivor of Auschwitz, and his father was a resistance fighter. He attended Oakwood Collegiate in Toronto, and achieved a Bachelor of Music in 1969 from McMaster University. At McMaster he produced and directed several short films. 

 

After a short stint in television, Reitman produced films such as David Cronenberg’s SHIVERS (1975), and RABID (1977). His breakout came in 1978 when he produced the classic comedy NATIONAL LAMPOON’S ANIMAL HOUSE, and then directed MEATBALLS in 1979. 

 

In 1981 he began a long friendship with actors Harold Ramis and Bill Murray when he directed the U.S. Army comedy STRIPES. Three years later, he would direct one of the greatest comedies of all time, GHOSTBUSTERS; a film that would spawn a franchise and make a splash in pop culture. Reitman would direct the sequel GHOSTBUSTERS II (1989), and act as a producer in the craptacular remake in 2016. In 2021, he would team-up with his son Jason for the magnificent GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE. 

 

Other directing credits include a pair of Arnold Schwarzenegger comedies; TWINS (1988), and KINDERGARTEN COP (1990). He would direct the most-excellent DAVE in 1993, along with JUNIOR (1994), SIX DAYS, SEVEN NIGHTS (1998), and NO STRINGS ATTACHED (2011). His last directed film would be DRAFT DAY from 2014. 

 

As a producer, his credits include HEAVY METAL (1981), SPACE JAM (1996), PRIVATE PARTS (1997), HITCHCOCK (2012), and the Best Picture nominated UP IN THE AIR (2009) …which was directed by his son Jason. 

 

In 2009 he was made an Officer of the Order of Canada for his contributions as a director and producer. His son Jason has become an established filmmaker, with hits such as JUNO (2007), and THANK YOU FOR SMOKING (2005). His daughter Catherine is the creator, executive producer, writer, and star of the CBC comedy series WORKIN’ MOMS. 

 

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Ivan Reitman has his name stamped on some of the greatest comedies to come out of the 1980’s, most of which are regarded as some of the best of all time. From bustin’ ghosts, to military chaos, to teen summer-camp adventures, to raucous fraternity madness…Reitman constantly showed a talent for laughs and character. It is sad knowing that the man behind the camera for GHOSTBUSTERS has left for the afterlife, but there is great comfort to be had in knowing that he departs on a high note. His collaboration with his son Jason for GHOSTBUSTERS: AFTERLIFE was a true labor of love that resulted in an emotional closure for the franchise, fans, and his own family. A real-life Hollywood ending that is rare.