Writer, director, and actor Harold Ramis—who is responsible for classic films like Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day—has passed away at 69. The Chicago Tribune reports that Ramis' death was caused by "complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels."
Ramis, a long time Chicagoan, was best known for his writing and directing, but he also acted as well. Among the films Ramis wrote and directed, in addition to Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day, are Caddyshack and Animal House. In Ghostbusters, Ramis also starred in the role of Dr. Egon Spengler.
Ramis is survived by his wife Erica Mann Ramis, daughter Stiel, sons Julian and Daniel Ramis, and two grandchildren. A private service is planned for this week and a public memorial will take place in Chicago in May.
[via Chicago Tribune]
