Tributes continued to pour in on Sunday for late Hollywood producer Jon Landau, following the announcement of his death at 63 on Saturday, with stars such as Leonardo DiCaprio, The Weeknd and Sam Worthington paying memorial.
DiCaprio, 49, who worked with the producer on the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, called Landau ‘an incredibly kind, wise, and empathetic soul’ in a statement he released Sunday, according to Deadline.
DiCaprio said that Landau ‘wanted to create nothing but a positive impact on anyone or anything approached.’
He added, ‘His legacy and leadership will live on forever. My condolences are with his entire family. Rest in peace; you will be deeply missed.’
The Weeknd, 34, shared a shot of himself with Landau along with folded hands and a dove.
Tributes continued to pour in on Sunday for late Hollywood producer Jon Landau, following the announcement of his death at 63 on Saturday. Pictured in February of 2023 at an event in Beverly Hills, California
DiCaprio, 49, and The Weeknd, 34, were among those to express condolences publicly following the announcement of Landau’s death
They had past collaborated on the 2022 movie Avatar: The Way of Water, for which The Weeknd released the single Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength).
Landau in January of 2023 posted an image of himself with the superstar musical artist on his Instagram, saying, ‘So great to have The Weeknd as a part of the Avatar Family,’ adding, ‘The song is the perfect fit for the movie.’
Actor Sam Worthington, who also worked with Landau on the Avatar films, referenced the hit film franchise’s Na’vi, known as ‘The People,’ in a statement to Deadline.
‘Jon was all heart,’ Worthington, 47, said. ‘He made everything and everyone he touched feel they could be better. He led with humor and strength, compassion and kindness.
‘The People say all energy is borrowed and someday you have to give it back. I see you, Jon.’
Landau’s son Jamie Landau confirmed his father’s passing to The Hollywood Reporter on Saturday; a spokesperson for Disney told the outlet that the producer died in Los Angeles on Friday following a cancer battle that spanned a year and four months.
In addition to his work on Titanic and Avatar with famed filmmaker James Cameron, Landau’s credits included prominent films such as 1989’s Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and 1990’s Dick Tracy.
Cameron, 69, issued a statement Saturday calling Landau ‘a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years,’ according to the AP.
The Weeknd shared a shot of himself with Landau along with folded hands and a dove
Landau in January of 2023 posted an image of himself with the musical artist on his Instagram
Sam Worthington, who also worked with Landau on the Avatar films, referenced the hit film franchise’s Na’vi, known as ‘The People’ in a statement following Landau’s passing. Pictured last month in NYC
The filmmaker added: ‘A part of myself has been torn away … 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 personal example he set – indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique.’
Avatar star Zoe Saldaña, 46, said on Instagram Saturday amid news of the producer’s death: ‘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.’
She wrapped up in saying, ‘Rest in peace, dear Jon. You will be deeply missed.’
Actress Kate Winslet, 48, who worked with Landau on both Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water, issued a statement to Deadline Saturday calling Landau ‘the kindest and best of men.’
Avatar star Zoe Saldaña, 46, took to Instagram Saturday amid news of the producer’s death
Actress Kate Winslet, 48, who worked with Landau on both Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water, issued a statement Saturday calling Landau ‘the kindest and best of men.’ Pictured in Germany earlier this month
The Oscar-winning actress said Landau ‘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.’
Landau is survived by his spouse of almost four decades, Julie and their sons Jamie and Jodie, as well as three siblings.
