It was truly a sad day yesterday. Beside all the Garfieldian levels of hating Monday, we lost a very dear friend to us all here at Somewhatnerdy…Harold Ramis.
We may not have personally known him, but his writing, directing and acting has sculpted our lives and minds into what we are today. He passed away early in the morning on February 24th due to complications with his pre-existing condition of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis at the age of 69 in his Chicago home. He is probably best known for his role as Egon Spengler in Ghostbusters, but that is just the tip of the awesome iceberg that was his career. He also co-wrote Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II with fellow Ghostbuster Dan Aykroyd, and wrote many iconic comedies; such as Animal House, Caddyshack, Stripes, and Groundhog Day to name a few. Yes, the super geeky looking Egon was a comedic genius who penned some of the most praised pieces of comedy to ever be made into movies. His writing and directing styles ranged from slapstick silly anarchist madness to goofy heartfelt and witty comedies. His vast repertoire has led to some masterworks that are truly inspirational.
In fact, many of the most successful comedy directors today credit him for being a major influence to their careers. Judd Apatow even went as far as saying “he was the person that I wanted to be when I was growing up.” And who would disagree? Ramis has influenced all of us. I don’t think anyone can walk onto a golf course and not make at least one Caddyshack reference. Or attend a toga party without an Animal House quote. I personally have not gone a day in my life without making some sort of Ghostbuster reference.
Needless to say Harold Ramis will be greatly missed and his work will definitely live on in our hearts and funny bones. So in remembrance, let us all watch one of his movies. Let’s laugh and remember all he has given us in his lifetime of entertaining and shaping movie history. May his spirit soar and never get busted. See you on the other side.
