'Ghostbuster' Harold Ramis Dies

Harold Ramis, the actor most well known for his role in "Ghostbusters," died early on Monday. He was 69 years old.

Ramis' on-camera presence was never more prominent than the role of Dr. Egon Spengler in the 1984 comedy, but he was far more productive behind the camera. His writing credits include some of the most popular comedies of the 1980s, including the films that built the career of his "Ghostbusters" co-star Bill Murray. Along with the "Ghostbusters" films, Ramis wrote or co-wrote "Caddyshack," "Stripes," "Meatballs," and "Groundhog Day," among many others. He was also a prolific director; his directing credits include "Caddyshack," "Groundhog Day" and several episodes of "The Office" on TV.

A native of Chicago, Ramis was also part of the iconic comedic breeding grounds of 1970s, including Second City and "The National Lampoon Radio Hour." He worked alongside the likes of Murray and Chevy Chase, as well as older comics like Rodney Dangerfield and Ted Knight.

Ramis has suffered from a rare vascular disease since 2010, a condition that had, in the past, forced him to re-learn how to walk.

"His creativity, compassion, intelligence, humor and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him," his agency said in formal statement.