Comedy genius Harold Ramis died at 69
Comedy genius Harold Ramis has died from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. He was 69. Wife Erica Mann Ramis said he was surrounded by family and friends.
A writer, director and actor, Harold’s extensive resume included co-writing Animal House, co-writing/starring in Ghostbusters and directing Caddyshack. More recently, he directed episodes of The Office.
Before professionally pursing comedy, Harold worked at a psych ward. He joked in 2009 nothing in the entertainment industry shocked him after that experience.
“I was kind of adventurous but there’s nothing like being in a psych ward to expand your vision of the possibilities of human behavior… There was nothing I hadn’t seen and I saw some pretty unusual behavior on movie sets, but nothing could top what I already experienced.”
The Chicago Tribune noted Harold’s trademark style of “smart and gut-bustingly funny” comedy inspired many of today’s top talents.
Tributes to Harold are already pouring in…
The Second City executive producer Andrew Alexander said of the comedy troupe alumnus: “It is impossible to overstate the personal and professional influence that Harold Ramis has had on all of us at The Second City. He was a natural leader, a trusted friend and so generous with his own talent that he made everyone he ever worked with look like a genius. We are devastated to lose him so young but we were all enriched by the years we did get to partake of his particular brilliance.”
Harold Ramis was a brilliant, shining example for every comedy writer hoping to achieve excellence the field. He will be sorely missed.
— Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) February 24, 2014
Was honored to have gotten to work with Harold Ramis, the Buddha of Comedy. Brilliant, humble, radiant. We've lost an icon. #GroundhogDay
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) February 24, 2014
No no not Harold Ramis. Worked for him years ago. He was the real deal. Growing up, his work changed my life. He will be missed.
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 24, 2014
"I collect spores, molds, and fungus" – condolences to the family and friends of the great Harold Ramis
— Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) February 24, 2014
If you're my age and got into comedy, Harold Ramis was one of the reasons. Life is fast and over too soon.
— Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 24, 2014
