Net Worth Ranker
What Was Ivan Reitman’s Net Worth?
At the time of his passing in February 2022, Ivan Reitman, the accomplished Czechoslovakian/Canadian film producer, writer, and director, had a net worth estimated at $300 million. This substantial net worth was accumulated over a career spanning several decades, marked by significant success in both directing and producing films and television projects.
Career Highlights and Earnings
Reitman’s career began in Toronto at the newly established CITY-TV, where he worked in production. He later produced a stage production of “Spellbound,” which transitioned into the Broadway musical “The Magic Show.” His directorial debut in feature films came in 1971 with the comedy “Foxy Lady,” where he also handled editing and scoring. This film notably featured the debut performances of Andrea Martin and Eugene Levy, who would later collaborate with Reitman on the comedy-horror film “Cannibal Girls” in 1973.
His breakthrough as a director occurred with the 1979 release of “Meatballs,” starring Bill Murray. The film became the highest-grossing Canadian film in North America at the time, leading to several sequels. Following “Meatballs,” Reitman directed “Stripes” in 1981, another successful comedy starring Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Sean Young, John Candy, and Warren Oates. In 1984, Reitman directed “Ghostbusters,” which became a major cultural phenomenon and the second-highest-grossing film of that year, leading to “Ghostbusters II.” His other directorial works in the 1980s include “Legal Eagles” with Robert Redford, Darryl Hannah, and Debra Winger, and “Twins” starring Danny DeVito and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
The original “Ghostbusters” film included a lucrative deal for the principal actors and director. Ivan Reitman, along with Dan Aykroyd, Bill Murray, and Harold Ramis, secured an agreement with Columbia Pictures to split 30% of the film’s gross revenues from box office earnings, home video sales, and network licensing deals. This arrangement resulted in approximately $300 million being divided among the four, equating to $75 million per person. Adjusted for inflation, this is equivalent to around $200 million per person in today’s dollars. For “Ghostbusters II,” the terms were even more favorable, with each of the four receiving an upfront salary of $6 million and splitting 35% of the gross revenues. Although “Ghostbusters II” was slightly less successful, grossing around $215 million at the box office, it is estimated that each of the four principals earned approximately $50 million from the sequel, which would be around $110 million when adjusted for inflation. Therefore, from the first two “Ghostbusters” films alone, Ivan Reitman likely earned approximately $125 million, or about $310 million when adjusted for inflation.
In the 1990s, Reitman directed “Kindergarten Cop” with Arnold Schwarzenegger, followed by “Dave” starring Kevin Kline. He also directed “Junior,” his third film with Schwarzenegger, “Fathers’ Day” starring Robin Williams and Billy Crystal, and “Six Days, Seven Nights” with Harrison Ford and Anne Heche. His directorial efforts in the 2000s included “Evolution” (2001), “My Super Ex-Girlfriend” (2006), and “No Strings Attached” (2011). His final directorial work was the sports drama “Draft Day” (2014), starring Kevin Costner and Jennifer Garner.
Producing Career and Significant Projects
Reitman began his producing career in the 1970s, starting with David Cronenberg’s “Shivers.” He also produced “Death Weekend” and “Ilsa, the Tigress of Siberia,” before gaining recognition with “Animal House” in 1978. In 1981, he produced the animated film “Heavy Metal.” During the 1990s, through his company Northern Lights Entertainment, Reitman produced and executive-produced films such as “Beethoven,” “Stop! Or My Mom Will Shoot,” “Space Jam,” and “Private Parts.”
In 2009, Reitman had a prolific year as a producer, with credits for “Post Grad,” “Chloe,” and “Up in the Air,” the latter directed by his son Jason Reitman. “Up in the Air” received an Academy Award nomination for Best Picture, further enhancing his reputation and influence in the film industry. Later producing credits include the 2016 “Ghostbusters,” “Baywatch,” “Father Figures,” and “A Babysitter’s Guide to Monster Hunting.” He also served as executive producer for films such as “Road Trip,” “Old School,” “EuroTrip,” “Disturbia,” “I Love You, Man,” and “Godmothered.” His final film credit was as a producer on “Ghostbusters: Afterlife,” directed and co-written by his son Jason Reitman, which was released in 2021.
Real Estate Holdings
Ivan Reitman and his wife, Geneviève Robert, owned multiple properties over the years, particularly in Montecito, California. At the time of his death, they possessed a substantial estate spanning over 10 acres in Montecito. This property included a Spanish-style mansion, extensive gardens, a private lake, a large swimming pool, and an amphitheater. The estimated value of this estate was around $50 million or more, reflecting a significant portion of his overall net worth.
Recognition and Honors
Reitman’s contributions to the film industry were recognized with several honors throughout his career. In 2007, he was inducted into Canada’s Walk of Fame. In 2009, he was appointed as an Officer of the Order of Canada, acknowledging his impact on the film and television sectors. Additionally, in 2011, he received the Mayor’s Prize in his hometown of Komárno, Slovakia. These accolades reflect his significant influence and achievements in entertainment.
Early Life and Education
Born on October 27, 1946, in Komárno, Czechoslovakia, to Jewish parents Ladislav and Klara Reitman, Ivan’s early life was marked by the experiences of his parents during World War II. His mother was a survivor of Auschwitz, while his father was involved in the underground resistance. When Ivan was four years old, his family immigrated to Canada as refugees. As a teenager, he attended Oakwood Collegiate Institute in Toronto. Later, he attended McMaster University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1969.
While specific details about early income or investments are not publicly available, the early exposure to film and production through his education and initial jobs laid the groundwork for his future success. Specifics about his early earnings from CITY-TV or early stage productions are not documented in available sources.
Ivan Reitman’s Personal Life
In 1976, Reitman married French-Canadian actress Geneviève Robert. Together, they had three children: Caroline, who attended Santa Barbara City College; Catherine, who is an actress, writer, and producer; and Jason Reitman, an Academy Award-nominated director. These personal details, while not directly influencing his net worth, provide context to his life and legacy. While details about his daily life, work habits, and specific public appearances are not documented, the broad strokes of his career indicate a dedicated and influential presence in the entertainment industry. Furthermore, additional specifics regarding additional personal investments and habits are not available.
