Words cannot attempt to convey the heartache and loss the comedy world was just dealt with the passing of actor, writer and director Harold Ramis. To some people he was just the quiet and nerdy Egon Spengler but he was so much more. When I think of the late 70s—early 80s comedies (The greatest era for comedy, I would be so bold to state) and National Lampoon I immediately think of Ramis. While I tend to think about Bill Murray, John Belushi, Chevy Chase and Dan Aykroyd in that class as well, they were the SNL guys, while Ramis was also associated but was more of the unknown ringleader since he co-wrote most of the best films of that era—Animal House, Stripes and Ghostbusters and co-wrote/directed Caddyshack and Vacation. Even his later works were decent by today’s comedies like Multiplicity, Analyze This and the remake of Bedazzled. I’m singling out Groundhog Day to specifically mention that it is probably the funniest as well as the sweetest and wittiest comedy in easily the last 30 years. I really do believe that there will not be a better film comedy in my life-time than 1993’s Groundhog Day. You kids can keep your Anchorman and your Hangover franchises. I’m cherishing my Groundhog Day and Caddyshack.

Dan Aykroyd was trying so hard to get a third Ghostbusters made and part of me didn’t want them to for fear that it would be pale in comparison to the original and we heard rumors that “comedians” like Seth Rogen, Jonah Hill and Jay Baruchel would be the new Busters which would make it suck even harder. I’d hate to admit it but another part of me hoped it would be made just to see Venkman, Spengler and Stantz together again even for short while. As a kid I may have laughed harder at Murray’s Venkman more but as an adult now I laugh longer at Egon’s lines and mannerisms. 

You will be sorely missed Mr. Ramis. We all lost a comedy legend today.