“Ghostbusters” star Harold Ramis died Monday from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a disease that involves swelling of the blood vessels, his wife Erica Mann Ramis told the Chicago Tribune.
Ramis was from Chicago and got his start in its famed Second City’s Improvisational Theatre Troupe.
Over the years, he became an award-winning screenwriter.
His writing credits included the cult classic “Groundhog Day,” for which he won a BAFTA Award, as well as the hit comedies “Ghostbusters” and “Caddyshack.”
The writing legend was surrounded by relatives when he died at 12:53 a.m., his wife said.
Upon hearing the news, “Iron Man” director Jon Favreau tweeted that Ramis had “changed his life.”
No no not Harold Ramis. Worked for him years ago. He was the real deal. Growing up, his work changed my life. He will be missed.
— Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 24, 2014
Ramis struggled with the illness for several years, the Tribune reported.
He is survived by his wife Erica, three children and two grandchildren.
A private memorial will be held later in the week in Chicago.
Harold Ramis was 69 years old.
