Ghostbusters Harold Ramis R.I.P Aged 69

After another hectic day at Glasgow Film Festival we start today’s posts with the sad news that actor, writer ,director star of Ghostbusters Harold Ramis has sadly died aged 69.

Known to many cinephiles worldwide for his as Dr Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters he ed away last night, he was suffering from a rare disease autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis (Swelling of the blood vessels). It was an illness he has kept quiet since 2010 when he was diagnosed.

Born in 1944 Chicago, Illnois to shop owners, After stints working in mental institution, substitute teacher , freelance news writer local newspaper to the Joke editor for playboy magazine.But it was 1974 when Harold Ramis finally got that chance to really shine when he ed The National Lampoon Radio Hour when got his chance to showcase his natural talent for comedy surrounded by the likes of Bill Murray and James Belushi.

National Lampoon opened the door to feature films for Ramis cementing his career not just as a actor but also a writer  With National Lampoons Animal House which started his long relationship with Ivan Reitman. Meatballs was the second movie the duo worked on with Ramis directorial debut Caddyshack starring Bill Murray, few years later success would follow when a certain little ion project Ghostbusters appeared. He followed then the highest grossing comedy with Ghostbusters 2, Groundhog Day, once again with Murray he continued to impress us with endless credits including Multiplicity, Analyze This, As Good As It Gets, Back To School, Stripes, Knocked Up, Year One, National Lampoon’s Vacation and The Ice Harvest. His most recent gig was on the U.S version of The Office.

After been diagnosed he moved back to his hometown of Chicago and sadly this morning Harold Ramis died peacefully surrounded by his wife and children. “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.” said Jon Favreau, Our thoughts and prayers go out to Mr Ramis wife and family.

source: Chicago Tribune