Tributes paid to ‘Titanic’, ‘Avatar’ producer Jon Landau, who has died aged 63

Jon Landau, an esteemed Hollywood producer and James Cameron‘s filmmaking partner has died at the age of 63.

• READ MORE: ‘Avatar: The Way Of Water’ review: bold, beautiful and very, very blue

Landau died of cancer on Friday, July 5, per a Variety report. Landau was best known for producing films such as Titanic, Avatar, Avatar: The Way Of Water and Alita: Battle Angel.

James Cameron said of Landau in a statement to Variety: “His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set — indomitable, 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.”

In the late ’80s and early ’90s, Landau produced several films including Honey, I Shrunk the Kids (1989) and Dick Tracy (1990) before transitioning to become executive vice president of feature film production at Twentieth Century Fox, where he oversaw production on Die Hard 2 (1990), The Last of the Mohicans (1992), Mrs. Doubtfire (1993) and Cameron’s True Lies (1994).

He then left Fox to return to producing films, and hit it big with James Cameron’s Titanic. The rest of his career would see him working exclusively with Cameron, producing Avatar, Alita: Battle Angel and Avatar: The Way Of Water – the latter of which would be his last finished project. Landau also produced Cameron’s three remaining Avatar films, which are due to be released posthumously.

Since the news of his passing, several actors and industry members have paid tribute to the late Landau. Leonardo DiCaprio said in a statement to Variety: “Jon was an incredibly kind, wise, and empathetic soul, who wanted to create nothing but a positive impact on anyone or anything approached. His legacy and leadership will live on forever. My condolences are with his entire family. Rest in peace; you will be deeply missed.”

Kate Winslet, who starred in Titanic opposite DiCaprio told Deadline Hollywood: “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.”

Avatar star Sam Worthington said to the publication: “Jon was all heart. He made everything and everyone he touched feel they could be better. He led with humour and strength, compassion and kindness. The People say all energy is borrowed and someday you have to give it back. I see you, Jon.”

Worthington’s co-star Zoe Saldaña wrote on Instagram: “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. 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.”

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See more tributes below.

“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

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

 

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