Daniel Goldberg, the renowned collaborator of Ivan Reitman and Todd Phillips, has passed away at the age of 74. Goldberg, who co-wrote and produced films such as “Stripes” and “Meatballs” starring Bill Murray, as well as “Space Jam,” “Old School,” “Road Trip,” and the “Hangover” trilogy, left behind a remarkable legacy in the entertainment industry. His brother, Harris Goldberg, shared the heartbreaking news and described Daniel as a gentle and lovely person who was his hero.
The exact cause of Daniel Goldberg’s death is currently unknown. He is survived by his wife, Ilona Herzberg, who is a producer on several films including “The River Wild,” “Evan Almighty,” “Waterworld,” “Rachel Getting Married,” and “Feds.” “Feds” was the only feature film directed by Goldberg himself and starred Rebecca De Mornay and Mary Gross.
Born in Hamilton, Ontario, Goldberg was the eldest son of Irwin, an aeronautical engineer, and Audrey, an artist. His journey in the film industry began when he met Ivan Reitman for the first time in 1966 at McMaster University. Reitman wrote and directed a short film called “Orientation” in which Goldberg starred as a freshman. The film was acquired by Fox and screened in theaters before “John and Mary,” a movie starring Dustin Hoffman and Mia Farrow.
Goldberg and Reitman faced legal trouble when they produced “The Columbus of Sex” and were charged and fined for making and exhibiting an “obscene” film. This experience strengthened their bond and fueled their determination to succeed in show business.
Following Reitman to Los Angeles, Goldberg and Reitman collaborated on numerous projects over the years. They worked together on films such as “The House by the Lake,” “Heavy Metal,” “Junior,” “Private Parts,” “Commandments,” “Fathers’ Day,” “Six Days Seven Nights,” “Evolution,” “Killing Me Softly,” “EuroTrip,” and, of course, “Space Jam.” They also received an Emmy nomination for producing HBO’s “The Late Shift” and collaborated on the Saturday morning CBS cartoon “Beethoven” in 1994.
Goldberg’s collaboration with Todd Phillips resulted in tremendous success. After producing films like “Road Trip,” “Old School,” and “School for Scoundrels,” they teamed up again for “The Hangover” trilogy. The first film, released in 2009, starring Zach Galifianakis, Bradley Cooper, and Ed Helms, grossed over $469 million worldwide. The sequels, released in 2011 and 2013, respectively, garnered even more success, with earnings of $587 million and $362 million. Goldberg also produced another Galifianakis-starring comedy, “Due Date,” in 2011.
In addition to his wife, Daniel Goldberg is survived by his sisters, Kathy and Amy. His death is a great loss to the film industry, as he was not only a talented writer and producer but also a beloved and respected figure. He will be remembered for his contributions to iconic comedies and his impact on the entertainment industry as a whole.
In conclusion, Daniel Goldberg, the accomplished collaborator of Ivan Reitman and Todd Phillips, has passed away at the age of 74. His impressive list of film credits includes “Stripes,” “Meatballs,” “Space Jam,” “Old School,” “Road Trip,” and the “Hangover” trilogy. Goldberg’s contributions to the industry will always be remembered, and his legacy will continue to inspire future filmmakers and entertainers. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his wife, family, and friends during this difficult time.