R.I.P. Harold Ramis (BaD #16)

On 02/24/2014 at 09:48 PM by NSonic79

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Linked to Article Series: Blog a Day (BaD) 2014

BaD #16: So much for Ghostbusters III

I happen to be listening to news radio at work today when I heard the shocking news that actor/writer/director Harold Ramis passed away today. To some he might be known as the writer-director behind such classic comedies as Caddyshack, National Lampoon's Vacation, Groundhog Day, and Analyze This, along with being one of the screenwriters behind another comedy classic National Lampoon's Animal House.

But for me he will always be known as Egon Spengler from Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II.

For me Harold Ramis was someone you really didn’t think about much when it came to comedy as a whole. I never dawned on me that he had a hand or was influential in all of the works that he was involved in. From movies like “Meatballs” to even directing episodes of TV shows like “The Office”, Harold Ramis was there either hidden in plain sight or out there as an actor.

I guess I took Harold Ramis for granted myself. I didn’t even think about most of the comedy I’ve been exposed to, never considering he had a hand in it. Instead I just remember him as the man that figured how to control the animated Statue of Liberty in Ghostbusters II with a tweaked out NES Advantage Controller.

I need to make up for lost time and show some respect to Harold Ramis today and perhaps later on in the week. I need to see if Ghostbusters is still on Netflix. Until then I’ll instead play Ghostbusters: The Video Game on the PS3. Not only is it considered one of the very few GOOD Ghostbusters games out there, but it’ll probably be the closest we’ll ever get to seeing Ghostbusters III (given that the plot of the game came from a modified script to that movie.)

Thanks for the laughs Harold Ramis, many might remember you for the movies you contributed to. But this gamer will remember you as the man behind the proton pack, and this line from Ghostbusters II

Wise “BaD” Message of the day: Don’t cross the streams. He would’ve wanted it that way.

Ta-ta

“N”

BrokenH

02/24/2014 at 10:00 PM

My friend told me about this. Truly a pity! Ramis seemed pretty "modest". Despite having a hand in so many different comedies he never seemed to flaunt it much. It's difficult to even find interviews with Harold,at least when compared to other directors/celebrities.

NSonic79

04/18/2014 at 02:04 PM

I know. He seemed to be the quiet type and let his work speak for him. though he did have some rolls as an actor.

Super Step Contributing Writer

02/25/2014 at 04:59 AM

Nice beard. And I have taken Ramis forgranted as well, but I have seen a lot of his works and enjoyed them.

04/18/2014 at 02:05 PM

thanks. I need to see about owning more of his movies now, if only to bolster my collection.

jgusw

02/25/2014 at 06:17 AM

Damn shame. I like Harold Ramis' movies.

04/18/2014 at 02:06 PM

Damn shame indeed. I need to own more of his movies now.

Cary Woodham

02/25/2014 at 07:37 AM

Yeah that's sad and now I feel old. And I agree, the new Ghostbusters game is the closest thing we'll get to a movie sequel.

04/19/2014 at 11:56 PM

This news made me feel old to. Given the current situation with the Ghostbusters movie in the works, Sony should just let it die and save the legacy that is Ghostbusters. Teh game did the story better than any third movie I'm sure.

Alex-C25

02/25/2014 at 10:53 AM

I didn't know about this until I saw on my Iphone the title of your blog. Very sad indeed.

Rest in peace Mr Ramis. Atleast I hope he reunites in an afterlife with other legends like Leslie Nielsen and Jon Belushi.

04/19/2014 at 11:57 PM

You check blogs on your iphone? I could never due that given how small the screens are.

04/21/2014 at 04:10 PM

I got used to it.

mothman

02/25/2014 at 11:39 AM

A great loss to the world of comedy.

I've been a fan since his SCTV days with a bunch of unknowns named John Candy, Rick Moranis, Dave Thomas, Eugene Levy, Andrea Martin, Robin Duke and Joe Flaherty.

Strange how no funny people ever come out of Canada. LOL

Goodbye Harold, say hi to John for me.

KnightDriver

02/26/2014 at 04:39 PM

SCTV. Loved that show. So much talent sprung from there.

04/20/2014 at 12:10 AM

I need to see some of SCTV. Sounds like I'm missing out.

C.S.3590SquadLeader

02/25/2014 at 11:54 AM

I was surprised when I found this out yesterday, I've seen a lot of stuff he either worked on or appeared in.

04/20/2014 at 12:11 AM

It was right out of the blue to. I didn't even know he was suffering from any medical conditions.

Nicoleb1989

02/25/2014 at 08:35 PM

I was def saddened to read this news, He was a great actor in my opinion, creative, and talented. Im like you though, he will always be remembered to me as Egon in Ghostbusters, even today those movies are faves of mine.

04/20/2014 at 12:12 AM

It was rather fitting I was able to find both Ghostbuster movies on netflix. Back to back watchings brought a tear to my eye.

02/26/2014 at 04:38 PM

Comedy is something near and dear to my heart so when I heard the news, I was moved. I've followed his career pretty closely. I saw his last movie Year One in the theater. It disappointed me, but it had it's moments. I think I heard an interview with him once were he confessed to be more into the writing than the acting. Still, he'll be fondly remembered for nerd mastermind Egon.

04/20/2014 at 12:13 AM

I guess I'm the type to take comedy for granted. I didn't even realize he was responible for Year One. I'll need to watfh that one, along with trying to stomach Knocked Up.

04/21/2014 at 01:08 AM

I didn't know about him being in Knocked Up or his directing the Bedazzled remake.

PixlBit

R.I.P. Harold Ramis (BaD #16)

BaD #16: So much for Ghostbusters III

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