Jon Landau’s son confirmed via The Hollywood Reporter that his father died at the age of 63 on Friday, July 5 after battling with cancer for 16 months.
The producer leaves behind his wife, Julie, as well as their sons Jamie and Jodie, with Landau surviving his three siblings – Tina, Kathy and Les.
When the news of his death was announced, tributes from those who worked in the industry were quick to pay their respects, including James Cameron and Alan Bergman, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.
In a statement to Variety, Cameron recounted his experience working with his close friend for 31 years and noted: “The Avatar family grieves the loss of our friend and leader, Jon Landau.
“His zany humour, personal magnetism, great generosity of spirit and fierce will have held the centre of our Avatar universe for almost two decades.”
He went on to laud Landau’s immense skill and dedicated passion for filmmaking as well as his admirable traits as a person.
Jon was one of the biggest producers in Hollywood
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“His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — in domitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique. 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.”
Titanic actress Kate Winslet remembered the producer and close friend and noted he was “the kindest and best of men,” and after knowing him for 30 years, she “can’t believe he is gone”.
In a statement to Deadline, Winslet penned: “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.
Kate issued a sweet tribute to her friend of 30 years
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“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.”
Bergman labelled Landau as a “visionary” and also told Deadline: “Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen.
“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.
“Our thoughts are with Jon’s wife, Julie, and his family and loved ones during this difficult time.”
David paid a tribute to his friend after both working on Titanic
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In 1998, Landau was the recipient of his first Academy Award when Titanic won Best Picture.
The movie went on to win a whopping 10 additional Oscars during the ceremony, such as Best Director for James Cameron and Best Film Editing.
He later reunited with James Cameron once again to co-produce Avatar (2009) and its sequel Avatar: The Way Of Water (2022).