Actor/Director Harold Ramis Dies Aged 69

All at Roobla were saddened to hear of the death of actor, writer and director Harold Ramis. He died yesterday at his home in the Chicago area following complications arising from vasculitis, a rare condition that causes swelling of the blood vessels. Ramis was 69 years old, and his health had been suffering since 2010.

Ramis was best known for writing and starring in the Ghostbusters series, and also for writing and directing classic comedies Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, and Analyze This. Tributes for the comedy great have been rolling in from friends, family, colleagues and complete strangers, as many acknowledge the massive influence Ramis had on their lives and work.

Iron Man director Jon Favreau Tweeted: “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.”

Actor Billy Crystal, who worked with Ramis on Analyze This and Analyze That, Tweeted: “Sad to hear my friend Harold Ramis passed away. A brilliant, funny actor and director. A wonderful husband and dad. Big loss to us all.”

Long-time collaborator Bill Murray issued a statement to TIME: “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.”

Ghostbusters co-star Dan Aykroyd, who has recently been the most vocal supporter of the production of a third Ghostbusters film, Tweeted that he was: “Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend, co-writer/performer and teacher”. He then added “May he now get the answers he was always seeking.”

Ramis has been credited with inspiring an entire generation of comedy actors, writers and filmmakers with his work during the eighties and nineties. Here’s hoping his legacy continues to motivate us all in years to come.