Harold Ramis, one of Tinseltown’s most successful comedy movie-makers with acting credits that include “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes,” died Monday at the age of 69.
His wife Erica Mann Ramis said he passed from a long illness, the Chicago Tribune reported. He was also known for his writing and directing work on blockbusters “Caddyshack” and “Groundhog Day.”
Mr. Ramis died from complications related to vasculitis, a rare autoimmune disease that creates inflammation in the blood vessels, the Tribune reported
His health problems began in mid-2010. He spent four months learning to walk again at the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota, before transferring to a rehabilitation facility in Chicago.
Mr. Ramis had regained his strength — and walking abilities — a year and a half later, but then suffered a relapse and never completely recovered, the Tribune reported.
Among his comedy credits: “National Lampoon’s Animal House,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” and “Analyze This.”
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He also leaves behind a reputation as being an overall good person.
“He’s the least changed by success of anyone I know in terms of sense of humor, of humility, sense of self,” said Bernie Sahlins, who worked with Mr. Ramis, in the Tribune. “He’s the same Harold he was 30 years ago. He’s had enormous success relatively, but none of it has gone to his head in any way.”
Meanwhile, Laurel Ward, the vice president of development at Ramis’ Ocean Pictures Production Company, said of his 15 years of work with the passed actor and writer: He was the “world’s best mentor,” the Tribune reported.
• Cheryl K. Chumley can be reached at cchumley@washingtontimes.com.
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