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Wide ScreenStars remembers Harold Ramis on Twitter
Comedy icon Harold Ramis passed away on Monday, the Chicago Tribute reports. The “Ghostbusters” star died from complications related died to auto-immune inflammatory vasculitis. He was 69.
Though he may be best known for his on-screen work, particularly for his work during the early days of “SCTV” and his role as the laconic parapsychologist Egon Spengler in the two “Ghostbusters” movies, Ramis was far more prolific behind the camera as a screenwriter and director. It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say that as a filmmaker Ramis was instrumental in shaping modern comedy.
Ramis directed some of the most influential comedies of the past forty years, including “Caddyshack,” “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” and “Groundhog Day,” and either wrote or co-wrote equally important comic masterpieces like “Animal House,” “Stripes,” “Ghostbusters” and “Ghostbusters II.” Countless comedy writers, directors, and actors, including the likes of Judd Apatow, David Wain, and Seth Rogen, have cited Ramis as having a huge influence on their work.
Many celebrities took to Twitter on Monday afternoon to remember Ramis.
Comedian Patton Oswalt was quick to point out Ramis’ significance to modern comedy.
No Harold Ramis, no comedy as we know it today. #RIPHaroldRamis
— Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 24, 2014
Before using the famous Twinkie analogy from “Ghostbusters” to describe his feelings on Ramis’ loss.
If a Twinkie represents amount of grief I feel when someone dies, Harold Ramis' death would be a Twinkie 35 feet long weighing 600 pounds. — Patton Oswalt (@pattonoswalt) February 24, 2014
Directors James Gunn (“Guardians of the Galaxy”), David Wain (“Wet Hot American Summer,” “Wanderlust”), and David Silverman (“Monsters Inc.,” “The Simpsons Movie”) also stressed Ramis’ contributions to the medium and their own careers.
RIP Harold Ramis, director of Groundhog Day, one of my favorite films of all time. He was also a really nice guy.
— James Gunn (@JamesGunn) February 24, 2014
Harold Ramis is one of my true all-time comedy heroes and influences. Rest in peace. — David Wain (@davidwain) February 24, 2014
Saddened, startled to hear the passing of Harold Ramis, great comic actor, writer, director. Huge contributor to comedy, no doubt.
— David Silverman (@tubatron) February 24, 2014
Countless actors and comedians also paid tribute to Ramis.
RIP Harold Ramis. Was privileged to work w/ him on Bedazzled. Great director, hilarious writer/actor & truly wonderful man. You'll be missed — Orlando Jones (@TheOrlandoJones) February 24, 2014
Was honored to have gotten to work with Harold Ramis, the Buddha of Comedy. Brilliant, humble, radiant. We've lost an icon. #GroundhogDay
— RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) February 24, 2014
Thank you, Harold Ramis. — Michael Ian Black (@michaelianblack) February 24, 2014
awful news about Harold Ramis. very sad, indeed.
— Elijah Wood (@woodelijah) February 24, 2014
RIP Harold Ramis. A true giant. — Jay Baruchel (@BaruchelNDG) February 24, 2014
So sad to lose Harold Ramis. Ghostbuster, Groundhog, and Moe Green. A funny and very nice man. Rest in peace, Harold
— Fred Willard (@Fred_Willard) February 24, 2014
REST IN PEACE Harold Ramis : a continued source of everything funny — Henry Winkler (@hwinkler4real) February 24, 2014
#RIPHaroldRamis A lovely, funny, talented man who gave us so much. He will be missed.
— Angela Kinsey (@AngelaKinsey) February 24, 2014
On set we were sharing stories...Harold Ramis told us he once put on his ghostbusters suit for Halloween & greeted trick or treaters. — Angela Kinsey (@AngelaKinsey) February 24, 2014
Proving that he was not only an influence on actors and filmmakers, late night hosts Jimmy Kimmel and Seth Meyers also weighed in.
So sad to hear about Harold Ramis. One of the all time greats.
— Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) February 24, 2014
"I collect spores, molds, and fungus" - condolences to the family and friends of the great Harold Ramis — Jimmy Kimmel (@jimmykimmel) February 24, 2014
Even Paul Reubens (better known as Pee-wee Herman) took time to remember Ramis.
Sad to hear brilliant comedian, writer & director Harold Ramis has passed. A giant talent & extremely nice man. RIP. pic.twitter.com/b1RFFKGW9G
— Pee-wee Herman (@peeweeherman) February 24, 2014
Given his long career, many more Ramis remembrances are sure to pour in over the coming days. But the initial outpouring of online grief proves just how influential and beloved he was as an actor, writer, director, and human being.
What was your favourite Harold Ramis memory or movie? Let us know in the comments.
