Ivan Reitman facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ivan Reitman
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Reitman in 2018
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| Born | October 27, 1946 |
| Died | February 12, 2022 (aged 75) Montecito, California, U.S.
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| Nationality | Canadian |
| Alma mater | McMaster University |
| Occupation | Filmmaker |
| Years active | 1968–2022 |
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Notable work
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| Spouse(s) |
Geneviève Robert
(m. 1976) |
| Children | 3, including Jason and Catherine |
Ivan Reitman (born October 27, 1946 – died February 12, 2022) was a Canadian filmmaker. He was born in Czechoslovakia, which is now Slovakia. Ivan Reitman was famous for directing and producing many popular comedy movies, especially in the 1980s and 1990s. He also owned a film company called The Montecito Picture Company, which he started in 1998.
Some of the well-known movies he directed include Meatballs (1979), Stripes (1981), and the super popular Ghostbusters (1984). He also directed Ghostbusters II (1989), Twins (1988), and Kindergarten Cop (1990). Besides directing, he produced other famous films like National Lampoon's Animal House (1978) and Space Jam (1996).
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Early Life and Education
Ivan Reitman was born on October 27, 1946, in a town called Komárno in Czechoslovakia. His parents, Klara and Ladislav Reitman, were Jewish. His mother survived a very difficult time during World War II, and his father was a brave resistance fighter. When Ivan was four years old, his family moved to Canada as refugees.
He went to Oakwood Collegiate in Toronto. Later, he studied at McMaster University and earned a degree in music in 1969. While at university, he started making short films, which helped him learn about filmmaking.
Filmmaking Career
Ivan Reitman's first job in the film industry was producing for a new TV station in Toronto called CITY-TV. Even though his time there was short, it was an important start.
His big break came when he produced the hit comedy movie National Lampoon's Animal House in 1978. After that, he directed his first major film, Meatballs, in 1979. These movies helped him become a well-known name in Hollywood.
Directing and Producing Hit Movies
Ivan Reitman went on to direct and produce many successful comedies. Some of his most famous films include:
- Stripes (1981)
- Ghostbusters (1984), which became a huge cultural phenomenon
- Legal Eagles (1986)
- Twins (1988), starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and Danny DeVito
- Ghostbusters II (1989)
- Kindergarten Cop (1990), also with Arnold Schwarzenegger
- Dave (1993)
- Junior (1994)
- Six Days, Seven Nights (1998)
- Evolution (2001)
- No Strings Attached (2011)
In the 1990s, Reitman started directing fewer movies but focused more on producing films through his company, Northern Lights Entertainment. He helped produce animated movies like Heavy Metal (1981) and live-action films such as Beethoven (1992) and Space Jam (1996).
In 1998, he started a new film production company called The Montecito Picture Company. In 2007, Ivan Reitman was honored by being added to Canada's Walk of Fame.
Later Work and Legacy
In his later years, Reitman continued to produce important films. He produced I Love You, Man (2009) and the Academy Award-nominated film Up in the Air (2009), which was directed by his son, Jason Reitman. He also produced Chloe (2009) and the biographical film Hitchcock (2012).
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In 2014, he directed the sports drama Draft Day, starring Kevin Costner. Ivan Reitman also served as an executive producer for Space Jam: A New Legacy in 2021, following his work on the first Space Jam movie.
One of his final projects was Ghostbusters: Afterlife, released in 2021. His son, Jason Reitman, co-wrote and directed this film, with Ivan serving as a producer. This movie was his last film before he passed away.
Personal Life
Ivan Reitman married Geneviève Robert in 1976. They had three children: two daughters and a son. His son, Jason Reitman, followed in his footsteps and became a successful film director, known for movies like Juno and Ghostbusters: Afterlife. His daughter, Catherine Reitman, is also involved in entertainment, creating and starring in the TV series Workin' Moms.
In 2009, Ivan Reitman was made an Officer of the Order of Canada. This is a high honor given for his important work as a director and producer, and for helping the Canadian film and television industries grow. He also received the Mayor's Prize in his hometown of Komárno, Slovakia, in 2011.
Ivan Reitman passed away peacefully in his sleep at his home in Montecito, California, on February 12, 2022, at the age of 75.
Images for kids
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Reitman in 2018
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Reitman in 2011
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Reitman in 2013
See also
In Spanish: Ivan Reitman para niños
