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7th July 2024
09:37am BST
Jon Landau, a visionary and hugely successful Hollywood producer, has passed away at the age of 63.
The New York born filmmaker served as executive vice president of feature film production at Twentieth Century Fox in the early 1990's and is best known for producing Titanic, Avatar, and Solaris.
His work on Titanic won Landau an Academy Award. It became the highest-grossing film of all time, the first ever to reach $1 billion in gross revenues.
Variety revealed that the cause of his death was cancer.
Avatar director James Cameron paid tribute to his late friend and colleague.
"The Avatar family grieves the loss of our friend and leader, Jon Landau. His zany humor, personal magnetism, great generosity of spirit and fierce will have held the center of our Avatar universe for almost two decades," he wrote.
“The Avatar family grieves the loss of our friend and leader, Jon Landau. His zany humor, personal magnetism, great generosity of spirit and fierce will have held the center of our Avatar universe for almost two decades. His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the… pic.twitter.com/fsR77qHoO2
— Avatar (@officialavatar) July 7, 2024
"His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique.," Cameron added.
"He produced great films, not by wielding power but by spreading warmth and the joy of making cinema. He inspired us all to be and to bring our best, every day.
"I have lost a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years. A part of myself has been torn away."
Family, friends and former colleagues of the influential film producer have shared their sadness at his passing on social media.
The best brother a girl could ever dream of- my brother Jon - has passed away. My heart is broken but also bursting with pride & gratitude for his most extraordinary life, and the love and gifts he gave me - and all who knew him or his films. https://t.co/ikRNzJlhFG via @thr
— Tina Landau (@TinaLandau) July 6, 2024
Honoring Jon Landau, the visionary producer of Titanic. His remarkable impact on cinema will go on forever. pic.twitter.com/MA4JvHm0Dm
— Titanic (@TitanicMovie) July 6, 2024
Devastating. I interviewed Jon Landau, had many meetings with him when editing EMPIRE. Whether regaling a crowd of film fans or speaking one on one in his office, he was just the same. Film was in his bones, in his blood. No one believed in its uncomplicated magic quite like him https://t.co/v4j3byy7qZ
— Terri White (@Terri_White) July 6, 2024
This video is the first one that came to mind when I heard the news about legendary producer Jon Landau. Not only did him and James Cameron care about movies, care about pushing the medium forward, they cared about people too. My heart breaks for his friends, family, and… https://t.co/pPKKChyzU1
— Will Landman 🍥 (@WillTheLandMan) July 6, 2024
If you are a James Cameron fan and watched pretty much any promo or behind-the-scenes material for his films, then you’re familiar with Jon Landau and also know the insanely massive scale Cameron works at and what it meant that he trusted this man as his producing partner. RIP. https://t.co/MMyTgXwgTg
— Eric Goldman (@TheEricGoldman) July 6, 2024
Oscar-winning producer Jon Landau has died at the age of 63.
— Jake Hamilton (@JakesTakes) July 7, 2024
I first met him in ‘09 at the AVATAR junket, checking in press (NOT a thing Oscar winning producers normally do).
From London to New Zealand (and back again), his love of movies was a gift to all of us. pic.twitter.com/ETr8aIKNwj
One time I interviewed Jon Landau and I told him how badly I wanted to watch True Lies when it wasn’t available on streaming and I couldn’t find a physical copy… he set up a private screening for me and my friends.
— Ash Crossan (@AshCrossan) July 6, 2024
Co-chair of Disney Entertainment Alan Bergman called Landau an ‘extraordinary talent’ in a statement to announce his passing.
"Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen," he began.
"His remarkable contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark, and he will be profoundly missed. He was an iconic and successful producer yet an even better person and a true force of nature who inspired all around him."
Actress Kate Winslet, who starred in Titanic, told Deadline: "Jon Landau was the kindest and best of men.
"He was a man who was rich with compassion and exceptional at supporting and nurturing teams of phenomenal creative people," she added.
"His strength in life was knowing the importance of family, at home and at work.
"He was always full of smiles and gratitude. I can’t believe I am writing this, can’t believe he is gone."
