Obituaries: Harold Ramis Dies at 69

Harold Ramis Dies at 69

   Harold Ramis, best known as an actor in “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes” and a writer/director for “Caddyshack” and “Groundhog Day” died Monday died today from complications related to auto-immune inflammatory vasculitis, a disease he battled for four years. He was 69.

   Born in Chicago, Il, Ramis got his start at the famed Second City improvisational group and made his big Hollywood breakthrough in 1978 when he co-wrote “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” starring John Belushi.

   He went on to co-write and star opposite Bill Murray in “Stripes” (1981), “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Ghostbusters II” (1989). He later co-wrote and made his directorial debut with Caddyshack (1980), followed by “National Lampoon’s Vacation” (1983).  

   Ramis most recently directed the 2009 comedy “Year One” starring Jack Black and Michael Cera and was also seen opposite Seth Rogen in Judd Apatow’s box office hit “Knocked Up.”

   A trailblazer in the comedy world, Ramis was the recipient of the American Comedy Award, the British Comedy Award, and the BAFTA (British Academy) award for screenwriting.

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

--Extract from Variety