John Landau, the Oscar-winning and producer, has died aged 63.
Co-chair of 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.’
report that he died on Friday after living with cancer for more than a year.
Avatar actress Zoe Saldana shared a heartfelt message on Instagram to express her gratitude for having known Landau.
‘Dear Jon, Words are hard to put together right now, your passing is hitting really hard. You are leaving us too soon, my thoughts are with you and your family right now,’ she penned.
‘Your wisdom and support shaped so many of us in ways we will always be grateful for.
‘The memories we shared together will always hold a special place in my heart.
‘Your legacy will continue to inspire us and guide us in our journey.
‘Rest in peace, dear Jon. You will be deeply missed.’
Actress Kate Winslet, who starred in Titanic, told : ‘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.
‘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.’
Jon Landau net worth
Landau’s extraordinary career included helping Titanic, which also starred Leonardo DiCaprio, become the first film to gross over $1 billion at the box office in 1997.
He went on to beat his own record in 2009 with Avatar and then in 2022, with the sequel, Avatar: The Way of Water, which earned $2.9 billion and $2.3 billion respectively. They are three of the four highest-grossing movies of all time.
Landau began his career as a production manager in the 1980s before becoming a long-time producing collaborator of director James Cameron and eventually the chief operating officer of his production company Lightstorm Entertainment. He was said to be worth $50 million, reported Celebrity Net Worth.
Cameron told Hollywood Reporter: ‘Jon Landau believed in the dream of cinema. He believed that film is the ultimate human art form, and to make films you have to first be human yourself.
‘He will be remembered as much for his vast generosity of spirit as for the movies themselves.’
Titanic was honoured with 14 Oscar nominations, and 11 wins. ‘I can’t act and I can’t compose and I can’t do visual effects. I guess that’s why I’m producing,’ he modestly said while accepting an award with Cameron during the awards ceremony.
During his career, Landau also produced Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, Solaris and Dick Tracy. He was appointed as executive vice president of 20th Century Fox in the 1990s, when he was just aged 29. He oversaw classics Home Alone and its sequel, as well as Mrs Doubtfire.
Landau, who was born to film producer parents Ely and Edie Landau in New York, previously said at a 2022 interview with The Talks: ‘I want to be able to inspire people to go beyond what they think their own capabilities are, for them to feel pride in what we’re doing. I think that’s a very big thing. I never want to be that guy just at a desk anywhere in life.’
He is survived by his wife of just under 40 years, Julie Landau, as well as their children, Jamie and Jodie Landau.
