Harold Ramis, best known to many as Dr. Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters has died aged 69, it’s been revealed. The Chicago Tribune first reported the news, saying Ramis passed away as a result of complications from autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels. He had been battling health issues for several years.
While he became a legend for co-writing and starring in Ghostbusters, Ramis saw just as much success behind the camera. After getting his start with the Second City improvisational group (which bred many of the big names of Saturday Night Live), he got his big break co-writing National Lampoon’s Animal House. He also helped write the likes of Caddyshack and Analyze This, as well as directing movies those films, along with hits such as National Lampoon’s Vacation, Groundhog Day, Multiplicity and Bedazzled. More recently he helmed several episodes of the US version of The Office.
He is survived by his wife, Erica, and three children.
Harold Ramis – November 21st, 1944-February 24th, 2014 – RIP