HAROLD RAMIS: A Remembrance

By Kate Davis

Today, the world is a noticeably darker place, as a bright light has gone out. Actor, writer, and director Harold Ramis passed away on the morning of February 24, 2014 due to complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. He leaves behind his wife, Erica, and three children.

Ramis directed and co-wrote multiple comedy classics such as Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Groundhog Day and also co-wrote a number of other films including National Lampoon’s Animal House, Meatballs, Back to School and Stripes.

As a performer, Ramis was a cast member and head writer on SCTV from 1976-1979.  In films, Ramis appeared in a number of comedies including Stripes, Heavy Metal, Baby Boom, Orange County, Knocked Up, Airheads, High Fidelity, and Analyze This.  He’s most widely remembered as straight-laced scientist Egon Spengler from Ghostbusters, which he co-wrote with fellow co-star Dan Aykroyd. 

It’s clear that Ramis has made a long lasting impact on film. Whether it was sci-fi or comedy, his presence made a profound difference for the better. It’s difficult when people we admire pass on. However, we’re thankful when they leave behind such wonderful legacies that we can continue to enjoy for decades to come. To reminisce in their perseverance, determination, and talent through books and DVDs is indeed a privilege. And, thankfully, this is a privilege Harold Ramis has bestowed upon us, his loyal audience.

On a personal note, I’ll always remember when my brother bought me Ghostbusters on VHS for my birthday. He handed it to me, but then snatched it away. “Parts of this are really scary, you know,” he warned.

We popped it in anyway and you know what, he was right! However, Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Ernie Hudson, and Harold Ramis made scary fun! Ghostbusters was a pivotal film in both my growing up and the interests I developed. I know I’m not alone in feeling that and I find a sense of unity with others who feel the same way, too.

And although we’ve lost another one to the passing of time, I find comfort in knowing that tonight the world will be binge-watching classics like Meatballs, Groundhog Day, and, of course, Ghostbusters.