Image credits: Wikimedia Commons
John Landis
August 3, 1950
Chicago, Illinois, US
76 Years Old
Leo
Who Is John Landis?
John Landis is an American filmmaker, recognized for his distinct blend of comedy and horror. His directorial style often combines satire with energetic storytelling.
He first captivated audiences with National Lampoon's Animal House, a breakout hit that redefined the college comedy genre and solidified his presence in Hollywood.
Early Life and Education
Born in Chicago, Illinois, John Landis relocated to Los Angeles at four months old. His passion for film ignited at age eight after seeing The 7th Voyage of Sinbad.
A high school dropout, Landis began his career as a mailboy at 20th Century Fox before working in various crew roles in Europe, including as an assistant director on Kelly's Heroes.
Notable Relationships
A long-term arc has marked John Landis's personal life with his marriage to Deborah Nadoolman, an acclaimed costume designer. They wed on July 27, 1980, and have collaborated on several film projects.
Landis shares two children, Max and Rachel, with his wife Deborah, with whom he continues to co-parent. Their son, Max, has also entered the film industry as a screenwriter.
Career Highlights
John Landis forged a distinctive path in filmmaking, helming seminal comedies like National Lampoon's Animal House and The Blues Brothers. These films collectively grossed hundreds of millions, establishing his unique genre blend.
Beyond feature films, Landis directed the iconic music videos for Michael Jackson's “Thriller” and “Black or White,” which became cultural touchstones. He also expanded into television, executive producing series like Dream On.
To date, Landis received an Emmy Award for his documentary Mr. Warmth: The Don Rickles Project, further cementing his diverse contributions to entertainment.
Signature Quote
“You always want to do something different. I enjoy the process. I like making movies, and it's increasingly hard to find a movie you'd want to make.”