Tributes pour in as Ghostbusters star Harold Ramis dies

Harold Ramis, who had been suffering from a rare illness for the past four years, died on Monday morning aged 69.

15:23 25 February 2014

Actor, writer, and director Harold Ramis, who is best known for his role in Ghostbusters and other hit comedy films has died following years of suffering from a rare illness. He was 69. 

According to his spokesman, he had been battling complications stemming from auto-immune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare blood vessel disorder.

Ramis was best known for co-writing (with Dan Aykroyd) the hit Ghostbusters films. He also appeared in the franchise as Egon. Ramis also co-wrote and directed the celebrated Bill Murray comedy Groundhog Day.

Long time friend and Ghostbuter co-star Dan Aykroyd was one of the first to pay tribute saying he was "deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend ... May he now get the answers he was always seeking."

Bill Murray said in Time Magazine: "Harold Ramis and I together did the National Lampoon Show off Broadway, Meatballs, Stripes, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him."

United Talent also paid tribute saying in a statement: "His creativity, compassion, intelligence, humour and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him.”

Actor John Cusack wrote in a tweet: "Harold was a master - a gentle wry subverter and as decent honest and kind a director as I've ever worked with - so sad."

Steve Martin said: "So sorry to hear about the death of Harold Ramis, a comedy master."