Harold Ramis

American actor, comedian, director, and writer whose best-known film acting roles were as Egon Spengler in "Ghostbusters" (1984) and "Ghostbusters II" (1989), and as Russell Ziskey in "Stripes" (1981), films he also co-wrote. As a director, his films include the comedies "Caddyshack" (1980), "National Lampoon's Vacation" (1983), "Groundhog Day" (1993), "Analyze This" (1999), and "Analyze That" (2002).

Ramis was the original head writer of the television series "SCTV," on which he also performed, as well as a co-writer of "Groundhog Day" and "National Lampoon's Animal House" (1978). The final film that he wrote, produced, directed, and acted in was "Year One" (2009).

Ramis's films influenced subsequent generations of comedians, comedy writers and actors. Filmmakers and actors including Jay Roach, Jake Kasdan, Adam Sandler, Judd Apatow, and Peter and Bobby Farrelly have cited his films as among their favorites. Along with Danny Rubin, he won the BAFTA Award for Best Original Screenplay for "Groundhog Day."

Ramis died of complications of vasculitis on 24 February 2014 at his home on Chicago's North Shore, aged 69.