Jon Landau dies at 63: James Cameron, Zoe Saldana honor 'Avatar,' 'Titanic' producer

Hollywood is mourning the loss of Jon Landau, the Oscar-winning producer and James Cameron collaborator behind some of the biggest blockbusters in movie history.

Landau, who produced films including "Avatar" and "Titanic," died in Los Angeles on Friday, his family confirmed. He was 63. A cause of death was not provided.

In a statement shared with USA TODAY, Alan Bergman, co-chairman of Disney Entertainment, remembered the producer as a "visionary."

"His remarkable contributions to the film industry have left an indelible mark, and he will be profoundly missed," Bergman said. "He was an iconic and successful producer yet an even better person and a true force of nature who inspired all around him."

After starting his career in the 1980s as a production manager on movies such as "Manhunter," Landau became executive vice president of feature productions at 20th Century Fox. In this role, he worked with Cameron on the director's 1994 Arnold Schwarzenegger film "True Lies."

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Landau went on to serve as a producer on Cameron's movies "Titanic," "Avatar" and "Avatar: The Way of Water." He received an Oscar as a producer of "Titanic," which won best picture in 1998. "Titanic," "Avatar" and "Avatar: The Way of Water" are three of the four highest-grossing movies (along with "Avengers: Endgame") ever made.

Landau also produced "Alita: Battle Angel" and was co-producer on "Dick Tracy" and "Honey, I Shrunk the Kids."

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Cameron honored his longtime producing partner in a statement shared on the "Avatar" Instagram account.

"His zany humor, personal magnetism, great generosity of spirit and fierce will have held the center of our 'Avatar' universe for almost two decades," the filmmaker said. "His legacy is not just the films he produced, but the personal example he set − indomitable, caring, inclusive, tireless, insightful and utterly unique."

He added, "I have lost a dear friend, and my closest collaborator of 31 years. A part of myself has been torn away."

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Zoe Saldana, who plays Neytiri in the "Avatar" franchise, said that Landau's death is "hitting really hard."

"Your wisdom and support shaped so many of us in ways we will always be grateful for," she wrote on Instagram. "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."

"Titanic" and "Avatar: The Way of Water" star Kate Winslet also mourned Landau, telling Deadline he was the "kindest and best of men" and noting that she has known him since she was 20.

"He was a man who was rich with compassion and exceptional at supporting and nurturing teams of phenomenal creative people," Winslet said, per the outlet. "His strength in life was knowing the importance of family, at home and at work. He was always full of smiles and gratitude. I can't believe I am writing this, can't believe he is gone."

Landau is survived by his wife, Julie, their two sons, and his brother and two sisters. His sister Tina mourned him on X as the "best brother a girl could ever dream of."

Contributing: Brian Truitt