Film director, writer and actor Harold Ramis has died according to reports by numerous outlets. He was 69.
Ramis, according to The Chicago Tribune (his hometown paper), succumbed to "complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels." His health struggles date back to 2010, when an infection led to complications caused by the condition Ramis had. He was surrounded by family and friends when he died, the Tribune reports.
How will you remember Ramis? He had a substantial career both in front of and behind the camera, acting in such classic comedies as Stripes and Ghostbusters alongside his close friend Billy Murray. Later, Ramis was a powerhouse comedic force behind such memorable films as Groundhog Day, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Caddyshack and Analyze This with Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal.
Hollywood immediately lamented his passing on social media.
Harold Ramis was a brilliant, shining example for every comedy writer hoping to achieve excellence in the field. He will be sorely missed.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) February 24, 2014
For a lot of people, this will be Beatles-big. Harold Ramis is one of the reasons modern comedy is so terrific.
— Alan Cerny (@NordlingAICN) February 24, 2014
Harold Ramis. Ugh. this movie. This movie was EVERYTHING. http://t.co/KJZGKVYX8T #Stripes
— Martha Plimpton (@MarthaPlimpton) February 24, 2014
#RIP Harold Ramis pic.twitter.com/NFfjBeXz7Q
— HitFix (@HitFix) February 24, 2014
Ramis was a comedic giant. His passing will be felt far and wide in the film industry. Our thoughts and prayers go out to his family.
