Arnold Schwarzenegger ‘devastated’ over passing of Twins and Kindergarten Cop director Ivan Reitman 

Arnold Schwarzenegger, 74, penned a heartfelt tribute to director and producer Ivan Reitman, calling his late friend a ‘legend’ in a sad social media post on Monday.

Reitman, who directed the Austrian star in films like Kindergarten Cop, Junior and Twins, died ‘unexpectedly’ at his California home on Sunday night at the age of 75.

In his statement, a ‘devastated’ Arnold credited Reitman with helping transform his career by taking a chance on the action star and casting him in comedies. 

‘In Hollywood, he was bigger than life. He was comedy royalty,’ Arnold wrote in his post. ‘In life, he was a mensch – a wonderful father and husband, a fantastic friend, a great human being. He was kind, he was generous, he was smart as hell, and he was always there for you.’

He continued later in the statement: ‘I’ll always be grateful that he took a chance on this Austrian action-hero in a comedy during a time when the studios just wanted me to focus on finding new ways to kill bad guys, blow things up, and show off some muscles. 

‘I knew I could make it in comedy, but I needed someone else to know it to make it a reality. That’s why Ivan was a great director and friend: he could see something in you that other people didn’t, and he could help you show the rest of the world.’

Some of Arnold’s most famous light-hearted roles were in films directed by Reitman such as Twins (1988), Kindergarten Cop (1990) and Junior (1994). 

Twins, a buddy comedy co-starring Danny DeVito as Arnold’s fraternal twin brother, is currently being rebooted as Triplets with Tracy Morgan as the third brother.

‘Making Twins, Junior, and Kindergarten Cop with Ivan was heaven for me,’ Arnold said. ‘Spending the last few years working with him on Triplets, and once again seeing his passion and genius up close, was a joy.’

The actor mentioned in his post that production on Triplets was scheduled to resume in the fall. 

Along with the touching tribute, Arnold shared several photos from his decades working with Ivan, including one with Danny DeVito from the filming of Triplets with the pair in matching Hawaiian shirts. 

Reitman, who directed many beloved comedies like Animal House and Ghostbusters died ‘unexpectedly’ at age 75. 

His family said Reitman died peacefully in his sleep Saturday night at his Montecito, California home.  

‘Our family is grieving the unexpected loss of a husband, father, and grandfather who taught us to always seek the magic in life,’ his 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.’ 

It is unclear if Reitman had been suffering any illnesses prior to his death.  

Known for big, bawdy comedies that caught the spirit of their time, the director-producer’s most significant success came with his 1984 film Ghostbusters which grossed nearly $300million worldwide.

The supernatural comedy – starring Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, Ernie Hudson, Sigourney Weaver and Rick Moranis – earned two Oscar nominations and spawned a veritable franchise that included television shows and a new movie, Ghostbusters: Afterlife, which was directed by his son, Jason, and opened last year. 

He was also the co-owner of The Montecito Picture Company which is responsible for the production of dozens of films. 

Jason Reitman, 44, has followed in the prolific director’s footsteps, carving out an impressive career of his own directing films like Juno and Up in the Air.

He took to social media to mourn his father’s sudden death with a heartwarming message and a series of photos on Monday.

‘I’ve lost my hero. All I want in the world is the chance to tell my father one more story,’ he penned. ‘He came from a family of survivors and turned his legacy into laughter. Thank you for the many messages of kindness. Please enjoy his movies and remember his storytelling gifts. Nothing would make him happier.’ 

The Hollywood Walk of Fame Star holder and Lifetime Achievement Award winner got his big break at age 34 when he produced the raucous, college fraternity sendup National Lampoon’s Animal House. 

Among other notable films he directed are Twins, Kindergarten Cop, Dave, Junior and 1998’s Six Days, Seven Nights. He also produced Beethoven, Old School, EuroTrip and many others, including several for his son.

The influential filmmaker’s death was a hard hit to the cinematic community, with many of his fans and former colleagues offering their condolences Sunday night.

Paul Feig, who director of the 2016 Ghostbusters remake said it was a ‘honor working so closely with Ivan’ and ‘such a learning experience.’

He outlined how Reitman was a ‘generous’ and supportive man that has made a lasting impact on his career. 

Reitman slowed down as a director after Six Days, Seven Nights – only four films would follow: Evolution, My Super Ex-Girlfriend, No Strings Attached and 2014’s Draft Day.

However, he continued producing and, with Ghostbusters: Afterlife, even found himself on the press circuit with his son, Jason, providing emotional moments for both with the passing of the baton.