Ivan Reitman died peacefully in his sleep at the age of 75.

Legendary movie producer and director Ivan Reitman who worked on iconic comedies such as “Animal House” and “Ghostbusters,” has died at the age of 75.

Reitman died peacefully in his sleep at his home in Montecito, California, his family told the Associated Press.

“Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,” children Jason Reitman, Catherine Reitman and Caroline Reitman said in a joint statement. 

“We take comfort that his work as a filmmaker brought laughter and happiness to countless others around the world. While we mourn privately, we hope those who knew him through his films will remember him always.”

Reitman made his first splash in the comedy world producing the irreverent college fraternity film “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” starring John Belushi, in 1978.

He made his directorial debut working with Bill Murray in his first starring role in 1979’s summer camp comedy “Meatballs.”

Reitman died at his Montecito, California home. Reitman directed the “Ghostbusters” movies.

He again worked with Murray directing “Stripes,” which also starred John Candy and Harold Ramis.

Reitman truly left his mark on Hollywood history directing the beloved supernatural comedy “Ghostbusters” in 1984, starring Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis. The film grossed almost $300 million worldwide, earned two Oscar nominations and spawned a massive franchise and sequels, including Ghostbusters 2, which he also directed.

Reitman was born in Czechoslovakia in 1946, the son of the owner of the country’s largest vinegar factory. His family fled to Canada when he was only four years old as the communists began imprisoning capitalists.

Reitman also directed the movie “Twins.” Reitman’s son, Jason, has followed in his father’s directorial footsteps.Getty Images

In Toronto, Reitman began his career in the entertainment business starting a puppet show theater and entertaining at summer camps. He attended McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, where he studied music and first began making short films.

He became involved with the National Lampoon crew after producing a a weekly TV revue, “Greed,” with Aykroyd for $500 a week.