Tributes continued to pour in for the late Hollywood producer Jon Landau on Sunday, after it was announced on Saturday that he had died at the age of 63. Leonardo DiCaprio, The Weeknd and Sam Worthington, among others, held a memorial service.
DiCaprio, 49, who worked with the producer on the 1997 blockbuster Titanic, called Landau “an incredibly kind, wise and empathetic soul” in a statement released Sunday, according to Deadline.
DiCaprio said Landau “wanted to have only a positive impact on everything and everyone he approached.”
He added: “His legacy and leadership will live on forever. My condolences to his entire family. Rest in peace; you will be greatly missed.”
The Weeknd, 34, shared a photo of himself and Landau, with their hands clasped and a dove.
Tributes continued to pour in for the late Hollywood producer Jon Landau on Sunday, following the announcement of his death at the age of 63 on Saturday. Pictured in February 2023 at an event in Beverly Hills, California
DiCaprio, 49, and The Weeknd, 34, were among those who publicly expressed their condolences following the announcement of Landau’s death
They previously worked together on the 2022 film Avatar: The Way of Water, for which The Weeknd released the single Nothing Is Lost (You Give Me Strength).
Landau posted a photo of himself with the superstar on Instagram in January 2023, saying, “Great to have The Weeknd in the Avatar Family.” And, “The song fits the movie perfectly.”
Actor Sam Worthington, who also worked with Landau on the Avatar films, referred to the film in a statement Deadline.
“Jon was all heart,” said Worthington, 47. “He made everyone he touched feel like they could be better. He led with humor and strength, compassion and kindness.
“People say all energy is borrowed and that one day 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 Disney spokesperson told the outlet that the producer died Friday in Los Angeles after a battle with cancer that lasted a year and four months.
In addition to his work on Titanic and Avatar with famed filmmaker James Cameron, Landau also appeared in such notable films 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,” the AP.
The Weeknd shared a photo of himself with Landau, together with folded hands and a dove
Landau posted a photo of himself with the musician on his Instagram in January 2023
Sam Worthington, who also worked with Landau on the Avatar films, referred to the Na’vi, known as “The People,” from the successful film franchise in a statement following Landau’s passing. Pictured last month in NYC
The filmmaker added: ‘A part of me was torn away from him… his wacky humor, personal magnetism, enormous generosity and fierce energy have been the center of our Avatar universe for nearly two decades.
‘His legacy is not only the films he produced, but the personal example he set: tireless, caring, inclusive, indefatigable, astute and utterly unique.’
Avatar star Zoe Saldaña, 46, said on Instagram on Saturday amid news of the producer’s death: “Words are hard to find right now, your passing hits us hard. You left us far too soon, my thoughts are with you and your family right now.
“Your wisdom and support have shaped 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 on our journey.”
She concluded by saying, “Rest in peace, dear Jon. You will be greatly missed.”
Actress Kate Winslet, 48, who worked with Landau on both Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water, issued a statement to Deadline Saturday called Landau “the kindest and best man.”
Avatar star Zoe Saldaña, 46, took to Instagram on Saturday following news of the producer’s death
Actress Kate Winslet, 48, who worked with Landau on both Titanic and Avatar: The Way of Water, released a statement Saturday calling Landau “the kindest and best of men.” Photographed in Germany earlier this month
The Oscar-winning actress said Landau was “a man of great compassion and exceptional ability to support and nurture teams of phenomenal creative people.
“His strength in life was the understanding of the importance of family, home and work. He was always full of smiles and gratitude. I can’t believe I’m writing this, I can’t believe he’s gone.”
Landau is survived by his wife of nearly 40 years, Julie, and their sons Jamie and Jodie, as well as three siblings.