Harold Ramis

Harold Ramis, one of the finest comic actors (“Ghostbusters”, “Stripes”) and directors (“Groundhog Day”, “Caddyshack”) of his generation, died early Monday due to complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis.   Autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis is a rare disease involving the blood vessels swelling. It was caused by an infection in 2010, causing his health problems. Harold Ramis had a long string of hits he wrote and directed for many years, from 1978’s “Animal House” (which he wrote), to “Analyze This” (1999) and “Analyze That” (2002), both of which he wrote and directed. Beforehand, he was a major influence and performer in the legendary Second City group of comedians, including launching the skit show “SCTV”, eventually moving onto the “National Lampoon Radio Hour” in New York City with many of the ensemble. Perhaps no other movie stands out more than the 1984 smash “Ghostbusters”, which launched a huge franchise that persisted throughout the 1980’s and a 1991 sequel. It was one of many teamups with actor Bill Murray, whose deadpan facial expressions and voice