Harold Ramis, Ghostbusters Star and Groundhog Day Director, Dead at 69

Chicago-born writer had a series of successful films

By Lily Harrison Feb 24, 2014 6:10 PMTags
Harold RamisTasos Katopodis/Getty Images for The Second City

Harold Ramis, one of the most famous comedy filmmakers in Hollywood, has passed away at the age of 69.

Ramis is arguably best known for directing Groundhog Day and CaddyShack, and went on to co-write several blockbusters over the years.

The Analyze This director boasts a massive body of work, which includes writing credits on National Lampoon's Animal House, Stripes and Ghostbusters.

The Chicago native also worked on The Office for a few episodes in 2006 and acted as Seth Rogen's father in the Judd Apatow hit, Knocked Up.

Rainn Wilson tweeted about the sad news, saying, "Was honored to have gotten to work with Harold Ramis, the Buddha of Comedy. Brilliant, humble, radiant. We've lost an icon #GroundhogDay."

Watch: Honoring "Ghostbusters" Star Harold Ramis

Tom Arnold also tweeted, "So sad about Harold Ramis. His work changed my life and inspired me and made me want to do what I do. Very nice man and a good neighbor too."

Watch: Harold Ramis Reflects on Comedy Legacy

According to a statement, the beloved writer died from complications related to autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a condition that he had suffered from for the past four years.

"His creativity, compassion, intelligence, humor and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him," the statement added.

Ramis is survived by his wife Erica, sons Julian and Daniel, daughter Violet and two grandchildren.