Harold Ramis RIP

HAROLD RAMIS, an immensely gifted screenwriter, director and comedic actor, died today of complications from autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis; he was 69. Best known for his work on such films as Groundhog Day, Ghostbusters, Animal House, Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, Stripes, Meatballs, Back to School and Analyze This (and That), the Canadian-born Ramis began his career as a member of the SCTV troupe. “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend, co-writer/performer and teacher Harold Ramis,” posted frequent collaborator Dan Aykroyd on Facebook. “May he now get the answers he was always seeking.” (2/24p)