Hollywood Mourns the Loss of Comedy Legend Ivan Reitman

By Charlie Ridgely - February 14, 2022 12:05 am EST

The world lost a comedy legend this weekend. Late Sunday night, news broke that filmmaker Ivan Reitman had passed away at the age of 75. The writer, director, and producer was a comedy mainstay in Hollywood for years, helming films like Ghostbusters, Stripes, Meatballs, Kindergarten Cop, Twins, and Evolution. Reitman also produced the likes of Space Jam, Heavy Metal, Up in the Air, and 2021's Ghostbusters: Afterlife, the latter two titles being directed by his son.

Reitman has long been an influential figure in American comedy; his impact on many is immeasurable. It should come as no surprise that, following his death, comedic voices from around the industry took to social media to mourn his passing and share their fond memories of the iconic filmmaker.

On-camera stars like Kumail Nanjiani and Seth Green shared their thoughts on Reitman and his influence. Paul Feig, the director who was behind the 2016 Ghostbusters reboot, noted just how much everyone in the world of comedy owe to Reitman. Cobra Kai co-creator Jon Hurwitz and filmmakers like Axelle Carolyn and BenDavid Grabinski also took to social media with their thoughts.

You can see some of the many reflections on Reitman's life and career below.

Kumail Nanjiani

Ghostbusters is my first favorite movie ever
— Kumail Nanjiani (@kumailn) February 14, 2022

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Seth Green

Aw man. His contributions to pop are unrivaled. Truly a master storyteller. At least we have all his work and his brilliantly talented son ❤️
— Seth Green (@SethGreen) February 14, 2022

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Paul Feig

I’m in absolute shock. I had the honor of working so closely with Ivan and it was always such a learning experience. He directed some of my favorite comedies of all time. All of us in comedy owe him so very much. Thank you for everything, Ivan. Truly. ❤️❤️ https://t.co/SGnI7OcT9s
— Paul Feig (@paulfeig) February 14, 2022

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Emily Gordon

What a massive loss. Too many amazing movies to even list here. https://t.co/1NqEWndSfL
— Emily V Gordon (@emilyvgordon) February 14, 2022

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Jon Hurwitz

Animal House, Meatballs, Stripes, Ghostbusters, Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Beethoven, Dave, Space Jam, Private Parts, Road Trip, Old School. What a legacy of classics. Ivan Reitman was always kind and supportive when our paths crossed. My deepest condolences to his family. #RIP pic.twitter.com/F0q41Cz52l
— Jon Hurwitz (@jonhurwitz) February 14, 2022

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BenDavid Grabinski

RIP Ivan Reitman. A major loss. This is my favorite motivational speech in movie history. pic.twitter.com/dNfrGWgK73
— BenDavid Grabinski+ (@bdgrabinski) February 14, 2022

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Rosanna Arquette

Rest In Peace Ivan Reitman 💙✌🏼
— ✌🏼rosanna arquette (@RoArquette) February 14, 2022

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Axelle Carolyn

GHOSTBUSTERS was a huge inspiration. Not only was it for a while the closest thing to horror I could watch, but I learned English viewing the vhs over and over again. I played with Ecto-1 and dreamed of NYC and of making movies.

Ivan Reitman, man. May his memory be a blessing.
— Axelle Carolyn (@AxelleCarolyn) February 14, 2022

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W. Earl Brown

ANIMAL HOUSE made me want to be in movies, so I was ecstatic to get cast in DRAFT DAY. Ivan’s producing partner was a big DEADWOOD fan, so I think he pushed to hire me. My first day on set…

Ivan Reitman, ‘Ghostbusters’ Director, Dies at 75 https://t.co/nNnFKhGlLU via @variety
— W. Earl Brown (@WEarlBrown) February 14, 2022

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Guy Branum

I got to be in a movie because Ivan Reitman's saw me on TV and thought I was funny. He was impossibly kind, astoundingly funny, and made so many of my favorite movies. I'm so sorry for his family's loss. https://t.co/YiKGojRVBh
— Guy Branum (@guybranum) February 14, 2022

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