Ghostbusters Star Harold Ramis (Spengler) Passes Away
February 24, 2014 by brennon
I think it's safe to say that at one point or another we've all watched Ghostbusters, either as films, the TV cartoon or in newer incarnations as video games or even LEGO. It's then sad news to hear that Harold Ramis, or Egon Spengler as most people will know him, died aged 69.
Ghostbusters and Ghostbusters II were insanely funny comedy movies that had the right mix of slapstick, horror and action to make them instant classics. The dynamic of the trio (later adding in Winston Zeddemore) was undeniable from the crackpot Stantz to the witty Venkman. Spengler was always the straight guy but no less funny. Can't forget that scene about Twinkies.
There were rumours abound of a return to the screen for Ghostbusters but this has been something that's drifted around in development hell for a while now. With Ramis gone the likelihood is even less so but would it really be the same without him?
So, I think tonight you should all dig out Ghosbusters and give it a watch.
Who you gonna call?
Ramis was also responsible for directing Groundhog Day. Not a geek movie in the way of Ghostbusters but still one of the great US comedy films. RIP.
RIP sir
To coin a phrase “see you on the other side”
Oh is he now… http://en.mediamass.net/people/harold-ramis/deathhoax.html
Ok that comes across in bad taste. The last part of my reply didn’t post for some reason and now I look like a dick. ( Damn stupid lack of edit button. )
So sad really. I’m gonna miss his films. and I loved his humour.
I can’t believe he’s gone. I doubt a Ghostbusters movie will be made now. Bill Murray was rumoured to be not interested, and now Ramis has passed away, it looks highly unlikely. If they made it, you;d just be wishing Venkman and Egon were there – it’d be pointless without them.
Technically, they did make a 3rd “movie”, but in the form of the video game to which they all returned, and it was classed as a sequel.
That’s true, and I bought and played that game and it was great. But I would have preferred it if they had made a proper movie. Oh well, I guess the first one will still have been the best anyway. 🙂
Starred in and co-wrote Ghostbusters with Akroyd. I think we’re better off without a third movie, honestly. I suspect Murray was right to pass. Nobody should go out with a sour note in their career like John Candy did (two crappy movies at the very end). Ramis acted in, wrote or directed these movies, among others: Animal House, Stripes, both Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, High Fidelity, National Lampoon’s Vacation and even some episodes of The Office in the US. That’s just the highlights. Pretty impressive. He really helped define a generation’s sense of humor. 69 is too young to go.… Read more »
Missed but never forgotten …
As good as it gets….
Nooooooooooo!!
Watched that movie so much as a kid. First toy I ever got that wasn’t made for a baby or toddler was a Stay Puff Marchmellowman action figure.
Now I’m sad. 🙁
I watched Animal House (underage) in the theater when it first came out…. I don’t think I’ve laughed so hard before or since…. my best movie experiences were generally due to the efforts of Mr. Ramis….
“Don’t cross the streams…” vital advice, especially in public latrines…
Sad to lose him, though I’m glad he was alive to give us moments of pure comedy gold. Thanks Harold 🙂
So young… 🙁
“Don’t cry because it’s over, smile because it happened.”
-Dr. Seuss
Gonna have to watch Ghostbusters tomorrow…
R.I.P.