Jon Landau was known for his high-grossing films 'Titanic,' 'Avatar,' and 'Avatar: The Way of Water.' He died at age 63.
Jon Landau -- the Oscar-winning producer who worked on Titanic, Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water -- has died. He was 63.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Jon died on Friday in Los Angeles after a 16-month battle with cancer.
Jon's sister, Tina Landau, took to social media to mourn the loss of her brother.
"The best brother a girl could ever dream of- my brother Jon - has passed away," the tweet shared on X (formally Twitter) read. "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."
James Cameron, Jon's longtime producing partner, also took to X to mourn the loss of his longtime friend.
"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. His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set -- indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique," the statement read. "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."
Avatar star Zoe Saldaña also paid tribute to the late producer on Instagram.
"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. Your wisdom and support shaped so many of us in ways we will always be grateful for," she wrote alongside a series of photos of her and Jon. "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. Rest in peace, dear Jon. You will be deeply missed."
Jon, a native of New York, was the son of Manhattan movie house owners and producers Ely A. Landau and Edie Landau. At the start of his career in the '80s, Jon worked as a production assistant and production supervisor. Jon's early producing credits include Honey, I Shrunk the Kids and Warren Beatty's Dick Tracy.
In 1989, Jon was selected as head producer at Fox. Following that job, he worked as an executive VP at the studio. In 1997, he and Cameron released Titanic, which became the highest-grossing movie of the time and received a Best Picture Academy Award.
After the success of the film, Jon joined Cameron's Lightstorm Entertainment, where he worked for over 30 years.
Jon worked on two more of the highest-grossing films of all time, Avatar and Avatar: The Way of Water.
Jon is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Julie Landau, and their two sons, Jamie and Jodie.
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