Multi-millionaire and Oscar-winning producer Jon Landau has passed away, surrounded by family and friends. The 63 year old's death has left a hole in the Hollywood acting community with many speaking out since their loss
. Star of Avatar, actress Zoe Saldanashared a heartfelt message on Instagram to express her gratitude for having known Jon.
She said: "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." Kate Winslet also remembered Jon following the news of his death, exclaiming that "his passion for filmmaking only deepened with age."
His death was confirmed on social media by his sister Tina, who said he was "the best brother a girl could ever dream of". In a heartfelt tribute, she added: "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."
Jon Landau, who was the son of Hollywood producers Ely and Edie Landau, produced some of the highest-grossing movies of all time, including Titanic and Avatar. He had also worked as an executive at the film production company 20th Century Fox, helping to create popular films such as The Last Of The Mohicans and Die Hard 2.
Working alongside filmmaker James Cameron, Jon helped create the 1997 hit Titanic, which became the first-ever film to make it past $1bn in the global box office. He later went on to break his own record following the success of Avatar and its sequel Avatar: The Way of Water, released in 2009 and 2022.
Following his death, James Cameron, who Jon also worked with on Honey, I Shrunk the Kids, told The Hollywood Reporter that "a great producer and a great human being has left us". "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 said.
"He will be remembered as much for his vast generosity of spirit as for the movies themselves." Jon had also held a management position in James' production company Lightstorm Entertainment, which produced hit films such as Dick Tracy.
James also released a heartbroken statement online, saying: "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."
