Jon Landau passed away at the age of 63 on Friday, July 5 in Los Angeles. 

The Oscar winner was known for working closely with director, James Cameron, on numerous Hollywood blockbusters throughout his career, such as Titanic (1997) and Avatar (2009). 

Landau’s death was confirmed by his son, per The Hollywood Reporter. He passed after a 16-month battle with cancer.

The film producer leaves behind wife, Julie, as well as their sons Jamie and Jodie. Jon is also survived by his three siblings: Tina, Kathy and Les. 

Tributes from those in the industry were shared upon hearing the news of Landau’s tragic passing, including James Cameron and Alan Bergman, the co-chairman of Disney Entertainment.

Paying tribute to his longtime producing partner, Cameron said he feels like ‘a part of myself has been torn away.’ 

In a statement to Variety, he recounted his experience working with his close friend for 31 years.

‘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 said. 

The director also lauded Landau’s immense skill and dedicated passion for filmmaking as well as his admirable traits as a person. 

‘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,’ he said. ‘I have lost a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years,’ he continued. ‘A part of myself has been torn away. 

Actress Kate Winslet remembered her Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water producer following the news of his passing and said that he was ‘the kindest and best of men.’ 

Having known him for nearly 30 years, she said she ‘can’t believe he is gone.’ 

‘Jon Landau was the kindest and best of men,’ she told Deadline in a statement on Saturday. ‘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,’ she continued. 

‘He was always full of smiles and gratitude,’ she added. ‘I can’t believe I am writing this, can’t believe he is gone.’ 

In his tribute, Bergan labeled Jon as a ‘visionary.’ 

‘Jon was a visionary whose extraordinary talent and passion brought some of the most unforgettable stories to life on the big screen,’ Bergan said in a statement, per Deadline. 

‘His remarkable contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark, and he will be profoundly missed.’

Bergan continued, ‘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.’ 

Peter Jackson – director of Lord Of The Rings – as well as screenwriter Fran Walsh also shared their condolensces in a separate statement. 

‘We speak for the entire Wētā FX team when we say we are devastated by the loss of Jon Landau,’ they began. The Wētā FX company notably worked on the visual effects for the Avatar films. 

‘Jon was not only a monumental figure in the film industry but also a cherished collaborator and friend. Jon brought unparalleled passion to the projects he worked on and his influence will continue to inspire for years to come.’

‘Our deepest condolences are with Jon’s family and loved ones, as well as Jim and the Lightstorm Entertainment team,’ Jackson and Walsh concluded. 

Visual effects artist, Joe Letteri – who worked alongside Landau on films such as Avatar – also expressed, ‘I am heartbroken at the loss of our friend Jon Landau.’

‘He was an amazing and generous man, and a world-class film maker who leaves a legacy that will last for generations.’

On behalf of all of us at Wētā FX, it was an honour to work beside him. His dedication to the art of film making inspired us every day. Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones,’ Joe stated. 

Jon was born on July 23, 1960 in NYC to mother Edythe (Edie) Landau – a producer – and father Ely A. Landau, a producer and studio executive. 

He later followed his passion for working in film by attending the USC School of Cinematic Arts. 

During the 1990s, he notably worked as the executive Vice President of Feature Film Production at Twentieth Century Fox. 

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). 

Upon its release in theaters, the film has become the second highest-grossing film of all time, raking in a whopping $2.9 billion in the global box office. 

Landau was nominated in 2010 for his second Oscar based on his work on the movie, and garnered another nod for Avatar: The Way Of Water in 2023. 

Jon also produced Alita: Battle Angel (2019) and co-produced other movies such as Honey, I Shrunk The Kids (1989) and Dick Tracy (1990). 

During an interview with The Talks in 2022, he opened up about his career in Hollywood and working as a producer. ‘I could never just sit at a desk and sign off on anything.’ 

‘Not just as a producer, but in life. I want to participate, I want to have a voice, I want to have an influence.’ 

‘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,’ Jon said.

In regards to how he determines a film’s success, he explained to the outlet, ‘For me personally, I enjoy going to the movies, so a film’s success depends on whether it provides for me that escape.’ 

‘I don’t want to think about Avatar, I don’t want to think about bills that have to be paid, all of these things.’ 

‘Do I walk away from the theater having felt something emotionally? That’s how I view a movie that I go to as successful,’ Landau added. 

Earlier last year in January, both Jon and James Cameron attended their handprints and footprints ceremony at the TCL Chinese Theatre in Hollywood to honor Avatar: The Way Of Water. 

On Landau’s official IMDB page, he had seven upcoming projects in the works at the time of his passing, including being a producer on both Avatar 3 and Avatar 4.  

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Source: New York Post