Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Caddyshack. These are just some of the movies attributed to the great Harold Ramis who just 
recently passed at the age of 69. The actor, writer, and director’s death was caused by vasculitis, a disease that causes the immune system to attack veins and arteries. Even though he battled the disease for four years, it was reported that his passing was peaceful.
Ramis has been a front man of comedy for over forty years. His career started in 1969 with the Second City troupe, an improv theater group in his hometown of Chicago. He began writing for SCTV and later moved on to movies. Under his belt were titles such as Analyze This, Stripes, and National Lampoon’s Animal House, his first big hit.
His movies are revered as some of the most influential (not to mention high-grossing) comedies of the past few decades. They are still as quotable as ever, and they continue to serve as models for getting the big laughs.
Even though he’s known for his comedy, Ramis was often trying to work with larger ideas as well. This can be seen most successfully in Groundhog Day, where a pessimistic weatherman, portrayed by his friend, Bill Murray, has to relive a single day until he comes to terms with his own life. The themes set forth have been a topic of discussion both philosophically and religiously, though Ramis himself denied practicing any religion. He once commented that the intellectual perspective did not always go over well with the studio bosses.
When taking on roles, Ramis was often depicted as a doctor of some sort, playing someone understanding and good-natured. In 1999, Bernie Sahlins, the late founder of Second City, told the Chicago Tribune that his characters were true to his personality. He said that despite “enormous success,” Ramis stayed level-headed, and it never affected his demeanor.
This seems to be the consensus from friends and co-workers who took to social media in order to express their grief and sorrow.
Bill Murray made a statement, saying, “Harold Ramis and I together did The National Lampoon Show off-Broadway, Meatballs, Stripes, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him.”
Another Ghostbusters vet, Dan Aykroyd, had this to say: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend, co-writer/performer and teacher Harold Ramis. May he now get the answers he was always seeking.”
Steve Carell, who worked with Ramis on his show, The Office, tweeted, “Harold Ramis. Funny, gracious, kind hearted. A joy to have known you.”
In his lifetime, he received the British Comedy Award, the American Comedy Award, and a BAFTA for screenwriting. He gave us one-liners and laughs for decades, and we can only hope to continue to honor him for all that he has done.
Ramis is remembered by his wife, his three children, his two grandchildren, and by all those whose lives have been inspired by his work.