Harold Ramis, left, on the set with RECOiL writer/director Brian DiMaio. Ramis taught DiMaio crucial lessons about filmmaking including how to load tapes and which end of the camera to look into.
A prolific comedy writer, Ramis both wrote and directed the comedy classics “Caddyshack,” “Groundhog Day,” “National Lampoon’s Animal House” and “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” influencing a generation of comedy writers like Judd Apatow and Seth Rogen.
Besides appearing in both “Ghostbusters” films, he was also featured in “As Good As it Gets,” “Knocked Up,” “RECOiL” and “Stripes.”
Bill Murray, who starred in Ramis’ most famous films, and had been estranged from his old friend and collaborator since they finished “Groundhog Day,” issued this statement: “He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him.”
He is survived by his wife, Erica Mann Ramis; his daughter, Violet Stiel; sons Julian and Daniel Ramis and two grandchildren.
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