Comedy actor, director and writer Harold Ramis, best known for his roles in movies such as “Ghostbusters” and “Stripes,” died on Monday at his suburban Chicago home after a four-year battle with an autoimmune disease, his talent agency said.
Mr. Ramis, 69, died early on Monday morning of complications from vasculitis, said Chris Day, a spokesman at United Talent Agency. He was surrounded by family and friends.
Mr. Ramis was a key factor in some of the biggest blockbuster comedies in the 1970s and 1980s.
“The best comedy touches something that’s timeless and universal in people,” he told Associated Press in a 2009 story. “When you hit it right, those things last.”
More recently, he directed “Analyze This,” starring Billy Crystal and Robert DeNiro.
Mr. Ramis is survived by his wife, Erica Ramis; sons Julian and Daniel; daughter, Violet, and two grandchildren.
