Harold Ramis, a gifted comedy writer, director and actor who played memorable roles in “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes” and was one of the writers of “National Lampoon’s Animal House” died on Monday at the age of 69.
His wife, Erica Mann Ramis, said he passed after a long illness, according to The Chicago Tribune, the funnyman’s hometown newspaper.
Ramis had a storied career in comedy on both the big and small screens, serving as a writer and performer on the classic TV sketch comedy “SCTV,” named after Toronto’s hilarious Second City comedy troupe.
He also directed the comedy classic “Caddyshack” starring Chevy Chase, Ted Knight and Rodney Dangerfield, among other hits.
Perhaps his most famous role was as scientist Egon Spengler in “Ghostbusters,” in which he and characters played by Dan Ackroyd, Bill Murray and Ernie Hudson captured an army of spooks that were haunting New York City.
He also directed the Bill Murray comedy “Groundhog Day” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” starring Chase, Beverly D’Angelo and Randy Quaid.
Fans immediately took to Twitter to mourn his loss and celebrate his genius.
“ ‘ I collect spores, molds, and fungus’ – condolences to the family and friends of the great Harold Ramis,” tweeted Jimmy Kimmell, quoting one of Ramis’ lines from “Ghostbusters.”
“RIP @HaroldRamis who was a wiz at NYTimes crossword, KIND to everyone, easy to laugh, always thoughtful, talented, loved his family…MISSED,” actress Andie MacDowell wrote.
“Harold Ramis was a brilliant, shining example for every comedy writer hoping to achieve excellence the field. He will be sorely missed,” added
Seth MacFarlane, creator of TV’s “Family Guy” and other shows.
“The 80s died today… So sad. Thanks for making my childhood so amazing, Harold Ramis. You will be missed,” tweeted actress Jenn Sterger.
His health woes began in mid-2010 after complications from surgery for diverticulitis led to an autoimmune disease, the Tribune reported.
It took four months of therapy at the Mayo Clinic before he learned to walk again.
He regained his strength at a rehab clinic in Chicago, but then suffered a relapse and never fully recovered, the paper reported.
He was remembered as not only a comic genius but as a good guy too.
“He’s the least changed by success of anyone I know in terms of sense of humor, of humility, sense of self,” Bernie Sahlins, who worked with Ramis, ttold the Tribune “He’s the same Harold he was 30 years ago. He’s had enormous success relatively, but none of it has gone to his head in any way.”