LeoGlossary: Harold Ramis (Actor)
Born: November 21, 1944 – Died: February 24, 2014
Harold Ramis, born on November 21, 1944 in Chicago, Illinois, was a comedic genius whose contributions to the entertainment industry were unparalleled. Starting his career as Playboy magazine's joke editor and reviewer, he soon joined Chicago's Second City's Improvisational Theatre Troupe before moving to New York to work with comedy legends like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray. With his witty writing and brilliant performances, Ramis became a prominent figure in Hollywood, working on iconic films such as Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. His unique comedic style and unforgettable characters left a lasting legacy in the world of comedy.
Early Life and Career
Harold Ramis had a fascinating journey that shaped his comedic brilliance. Raised in Chicago, Illinois, Ramis developed a keen sense of humor from an early age. He attended Washington University in St. Louis, where he pursued a degree in English and graduated in 1966. His career in comedy took off when he joined the Second City Improvisational Theatre Troupe in Chicago. This eventually led him to the vibrant comedy scene in New York City, where he collaborated with renowned comedians like John Belushi, Gilda Radner, and Bill Murray on "The National Lampoon Show."
Ramis' first major success came in 1978 with the release of "National Lampoon's Animal House," for which he co-wrote the script. The outrageous comedy became a massive hit, establishing Ramis as a talented writer and opening doors for him in Hollywood. However, it was his work on the cult classic "Ghostbusters" in 1984 that catapulted him to stardom. Serving as both a writer and actor in the film, Ramis delighted audiences with his portrayal of Dr. Egon Spengler. The film's immense success made him a household name and solidified his place in comedy history.
Throughout his career, Ramis received numerous accolades for his contributions to the entertainment industry. He won a BAFTA Award for Best Original screenplay for "Groundhog Day" (1993) and garnered critical acclaim for his directorial efforts, including "Caddyshack" (1980) and "Groundhog Day."
Outside of his professional life, Ramis was married to Erica Mann from 1989 until his death in 2014. Together, they had two children. In addition to his talents in comedy, he had a passion for music and played the cello. Harold Ramis was seen as a comedic legend and an influential figure in Hollywood, leaving an indelible mark on the industry. His clever writing, memorable performances, and comedic timing continue to inspire and entertain audiences to this day.
Filmography
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | Ghostbusters: Spirits Unleashed (Video Game) | based on characters created by |
| 2021 | Ghostbusters: Afterlife | based on the 1984 film "Ghostbusters" written by |
| 2018 | Ghostbusters of Long Beach (Short) | characters |
| 2017 | Ghostbusters: Station 6 (TV Series) | based on characters created by |
| 2016 | Ghostbusters | based on the 1984 film "Ghostbusters" written by |
| 2011 | Ghostbusters: Sanctum of Slime (Video Game) | characters and universe |
| 2011 | The Real Ghostbusters (Short) | creator |
| 2010 | The Ghostbusters of New Hampshire: Spilled Milk (Short) | based on characters created by |
| 2009 | Year One | screenplay | story |
| 2009 | Ghostbusters (Video Game) | characters |
| 2004 | Extreme Ghostbusters: The Ultimate Invasion (Video Game) | characters |
| 2004 | Stork Day | screenplay |
| 2002 | Analyze That | written by |
| 2002 | Extreme Ghostbusters: Code Ecto-1 (Video Game) | characters |
| 2000 | Bedazzled | screenplay |
| 1999 | Analyze This | screenplay |
| 1997 | Extreme Ghostbusters (TV Series) | characters |
| 1993 | Groundhog Day | screenplay by |
| 1986–1991 | The Real Ghostbusters (TV Series) | characters |
| 1991 | Rover Dangerfield | story developed by |
| 1990 | Cartoon All-Stars to the Rescue (TV Movie) | character: Slimer |
| 1989 | Ghostbusters II | characters | written by |
| 1989 | Ghostbusters II (Video Game) | characters |
| 1988 | The Best of SCTV | TV Special | Writer |
| 1988 | Caddyshack II | characters | written by |
| 1986 | Meatballs III: Summer Job | characters |
| 1986 | Ghostbusters (Video Game) | characters |
| 1986 | Armed and Dangerous | screenplay | story |
| 1986 | Club Paradise | screenplay |
| 1986 | Back to School | screenplay by |
| 1984 | Ghostbusters | written by |
| 1982 | The Rodney Dangerfield Show: It's Not Easy Bein' Me | TV Special | head writer |
| 1981–1982 | SCTV Network (TV Series) | additional material | additional material by |
| 1981 | Stripes | written by |
| 1980 | Caddyshack | written by |
| 1979 | Meatballs | written by |
| 1979 | Delta House (TV Series) | based on the screenplay for National Lampoon's Animal House by | based on the screenplay for National Lampoon's Animal House written by | based on their screenplay for National Lampoon's Animal House ... |
| 1976–1979 | SCTV (TV Series) | writer | written by | series written by ... |
| 1978 | National Lampoon's Animal House | written by |
| 1977 | The TVTV Show (TV Movie) | Writer |
| 1976 | TVTV Looks at the Academy Awards | TV Special | Writer (uncredited) |
| 1976 | Super Bowl (TV Movie) | Writer |
| 1973 | National Lampoon Television Show: Lemmings Dead in Concert (Video) | writer (uncredited) |
General:
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