LOS ANGELES – Jon Landau has died. He was an Oscar-winning Producer who worked closely alongside director James Cameron to produce three of the most successful blockbusters in history, “Titanic“, and two “Avatar“, films. He was 63.

Landau’s death was announced by his family on Saturday. The cause of death has not been disclosed.

Landau and Cameron’s partnership led to the nomination of three Oscars for “Titanic” in 1997, as well as a win for best picture. Together, the two have produced some of the most successful blockbusters of all time, including “Avatar,” and “Avatar: The Way of Water.”

“Jon Landau was a believer in the dream that is cinema. Cameron stated that he believed film was the ultimate art form for humans, and in order to create films one must first be a human. “He will not be remembered for his movies alone, but for his generosity and kindness.”

Cameron stated, “I have worked with Jon Landau over 31 years and never once did I see him depressed.” “He was a leader who combined humor with fierce determination and a true love of work.”

Landau began his career in the 1980s, as a production supervisor. He rose steadily through the ranks to become a coproducer of “Honey I Shrunk the Kids”, and “Dick Tracy.”

Cameron‘s epic, “Titanic,” about the 1912 maritime catastrophe was a costly production. He became the producer. The bet was a success: “Titanic”, Cameron’s expensive epic about the infamous 1912 maritime disaster, became the first film to earn $1 billion at global box office and won 11 Oscars including best picture.

“I’m a producer because I can’t act, compose or do visual effects. Landau spoke while Cameron accepted the award.

Landau became a top executive for Cameron’s Lightstorm Entertainment. In 2009, the two watched in amazement as “Avatar,” the sci-fi epic that was filmed with 3D technology and shown at theaters, overtook the success of “Titanic.” It is still the highest-grossing movie of all time.

The sequel “Avatar: The Way of Water” is third.

In an emotional Instagram tribute, Zoe Saldana – one of the stars from the “Avatar’ franchise – said, “Your wisdom, and support, shaped us in ways that we will forever be grateful.” “Your legacy will inspire us and guide our journey.”

Landau is a key figure in the “Avatar”, franchise which has seen the release of “The Way of Water” delayed numerous times. Landau defended Cameron’s ambitious plan to film multiple sequels simultaneously to keep the franchise alive and the progress of the sequel.

Landau, speaking to The Associated Press a few months before the release of the sequel in 2022 said: “A lot has happened but a lot is still the same.” “One thing that hasn’t changed is why people today turn to entertainment. “Just like when the first Avatar’ came out, people do it to escape from the world we live in.”

“Jon was an extraordinary visionary, whose talent and passion brought to life some of the most memorable stories on the big screen. He will be deeply missed for his remarkable contributions to film. “He was an iconic, successful producer, yet an even more amazing person. He was a force of nature and an inspiration to all those around him,” Alan Bergman said in a Disney Entertainment statement.

Landau became executive vice president for feature films at 20th Century Fox in his 29th year. He was able to oversee such major hits as “Home Alone”, its sequel as well as “Mrs. Doubtfire”, and “True Lies”, where he began working closely with Cameron.

Landau also played a major role in the 2019 release of the anime adaptation “Alita: Battle Angel”. Cameron was supportive of the project but, due to his commitments with “Avatar”, he could not direct it. Landau instead worked with Robert Rodriguez to complete the film.

Landau, born in New York City on July 23, 1960 was the son Ely Landau and Edie Landau. Landau’s family moved to Los Angeles during the 1970s. He graduated from the University of Southern California film school.

Ely Landau passed away in 1993. Edie Landau died in 2022. She was an Oscar-nominated film producer who produced films such as “Long Day’s Journey Into Night,” “Hopscotch,” and “The Deadly Game.”

Jon Landau’s wife Julie, with whom he spent nearly 40 years together, their two sons Jamie and Jodie, and his two sisters and brother are all still alive..0