Ivan Reitman, the filmmaker of the original Ghostbusters, has passed away.

His son, Jason Reitman, directed the newest Ghostbusters (Ghostbusters: Afterlife) which was filmed using many Southern Alberta locations such as Crossfield and Drumheller. Reitman released a statement with his siblings about his father's passing.

"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. “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 was born in Czechoslovakia in 1946 but later moved to Toronto where his show biz career started

Reitman's first big break came with “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” which he was the producer of.

The original Ghostbusters, starring Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver, and Rick Moranis grossed almost 300 million dollars worldwide while also collecting two Oscar nominations. The movie would go on to become the most successful film Reitman had been a part of.

Retiman, who was arguably one of the most successful comedy directors ever, was also known for directing Stripes, Kindergarten Cop, Meatballs, and Twins.

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