Farewell, Egon

Well, this one stings. If you grew up in the 80s like I did, then a huge chunk of your childhood just broke off and floated away into the ocean of sadness to never be heard from again. Comic icon, writer, director, actor, producer and Chicago legend Harold Ramis died in Chicago this morning. He was 69. And yes, I’m sure he’s telling 69 jokes to the angels up in heaven.

Harold’s wife Erica Mann Ramis told The Chicago Tribune that he was surrounded by his family when he died early this morning from complications of an autoimmune disease. I did not know this, but Harold’s health problems started really fucking with him in 2010 after he had surgery for diverticulitis and had to learn how to walk again. He suffered a relapse a year later and never fully recovered.

I don’t have to sit here and type all of Harold’s movies, because you probably already know them all and have told your boss that you have to go home with the sads to watch Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, Stripes, Meatballs and my personal favorite Bedazzled (yes, I said Bedazzled!). If you’re 8 years old, you probably know Harold as Seth Rogen’s dad in Knocked Up. Harold recently directed a few episodes of The Office and he played Adam in Year One in 2009.

Harold Ramis is survived by his wife and his three kids.

Rest in peace, Egon. You will be missed.