Upon news of Harold Ramis’ death, the loudest cries of mourning were of his big achievements, Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Ghostbusters to name a few. But if you weren’t particularly in tune with 1980s comedies, the name probably didn’t ring a bell upon first mention. Ramis didn’t fade out after the early 90s, though. He was writing, producing, directing, and even acting in some of your favorite stuff, and right under your nose. Here’s a few places you might’ve missed a man you didn’t even know you loved:
Ghostbusters
Ramis not only co-wrote Ghostbusters, he also starred in it as Dr. Egon Spengler. If you’re too young to remember the original movie, you probably remember the 90s cartoons The Real Ghostbusters, and later, Extreme Ghostbusters, which Ramis also co-wrote. Not one to abandon his franchise, Ramis aided in the development of the Ghostbusters video game, writing throughout the past decade, and reprised his role as Egon, lending his voice to the game in 2009.
The Office
Yes, THE Office. Harold Ramis directed episodes of The Office throughout it’s run, including the hilarious “A Benihana Christmas”, in which Michael sends out a wildly inappropriate Christmas Card.
Analyze This
Ramis directed the 1999 film starring Robert De Niro and Billy Crystal. Crystal and De Niro originally planned to co-direct the film, but offered it to Ramis instead, who also aided in writing the screenplay. He went on to write and direct the sequel, Analyze That.
Knocked Up
Ramis had a part in the wildly successful film as Seth Rogan’s father, giving him the endearing, albeit, alternative parenting advice, “No pills. No powders. If it grows in the ground, it’s probably okay.”
These are just the highlights. Ramis was also involved in projects from As Good as It Gets, to Orange County, to the caveman comedy Year One starring Jack Black and Michael Cera. If you really want a meaty display of his comedic genius, pick up any of his films from 1978-1989, and join in on the remembrance of the comedy great, Harold Ramis.
