5 classic comedies involving Harold Ramis, who died Monday at age 69

NEW YORK, N.Y. – You may not know his name or remember his face, but you have surely heard of at least some of the movies that Harold Ramis directed, helped write or appeared in. Here are five smash comedies created in part by Ramis, who died Monday at age 69:

— “Animal House”: Fond of quoting from this all-time frat house favourite? Chances are you’re quoting at least something written by Ramis, who worked on the screenplay with Douglas Kenney and Chris Miller.

— “Caddyshack”: Another classic that fans can recite from memory. Give Ramis a lot of the credit. He was the director and collaborated on the script with Kenney and Brian Doyle-Murray for this comic showcase for Rodney Dangerfield, Ted Knight, Chevy Chase and Ramis’ pal Bill Murray as Carl Spackler, golf’s most dangerous groundskeeper.

— “Ghostbusters”: He was Dr. Egon Spengler, the quiet Ghostbuster alongside Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray in one of the biggest hits of the 1980s. He also wrote the screenplay along with Aykroyd and an uncredited Rick Moranis.

— “Stripes”: Another high point for Murray watchers, with Ramis co-starring as a fellow military recruit and assisting on the script.

— “Groundhog Day”: This unforgettable comedy about a weatherman who lives through the same day over and over was a breakthrough for Murray as an actor and stands 20 years later as a pop culture fixture. And Ramis, once again, helped make it happen. He directed and co-wrote the script with Danny Rubin.

News from © The Associated Press, . All rights reserved.
This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Join the Conversation!

Want to share your thoughts, add context, or connect with others in your community?

The Associated Press

The Associated Press is an independent global news organization dedicated to factual reporting. Founded in 1846, AP today remains the most trusted source of fast, accurate, unbiased news in all formats and the essential provider of the technology and services vital to the news business. More than half the world’s population sees AP journalism every day.