Legendary comedy filmmaker, and one quarter of the GHOSTBUSTERS, Harold Ramis, has died aged 69. Ramis was best known as Dr. Egon Spengler, the most level-headed of the GHOSTBUSTERS, a film that he also wrote alongside co-star Dan Aykroyd. Released in 1984, a sequel followed in 1988 and a third film has been talked about for decades.
When not busting ghosts, Ramis tried his hand at writing, directing, and sometimes both. Probably his most cherished film was 1993’s GROUNDHOG DAY, a film in which his GHOSTBUSTERS co-star, Bill Murray, played a man reliving the same day over and over again. Ramis also directed CADDYSHACK, ANALYZE THIS and its sequel ANALYZE THAT, as well as other films and acting appearances such as the role of Seth Rogen’s father in KNOCKED UP.
Ramis, surrounded by his family, died at 12:53 am on 24th February 2014. The cause of death was complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. Ramis became infected with the disease in 2010 and had had health issues since. The disease involves swelling of the blood cells, and at one point Ramis had to relearn how to walk.
Ramis was a much loved talent, and GROUNDHOG DAY will always have a special place in my film collection. He was also always my favourite Ghostbuster, allowing Murray and Aykroyd to perhaps take the better lines and bigger laughs, while holding onto the more subtle humour himself.
We here at THN wish to raise a glass to a very talented and humble man, who never forgot his roots and always made us laugh!
Source: Chicago Tribune
