Acclaimed actor/comedian and filmmaker, Harold Ramis, passed away yesterday at 69.

Between the hustle and bustle of all that has been going on, Hollywood lost a very special actor/filmmaker, Harold Ramis. The 69 year old figure, passed away yesterday due to complications from a rare condition known as, autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis. Ramis is known for penning and starring in great classics such as Ghostbusters. Ramis first hit the scene in 1978 when he wrote the time honored, National Lampoon’s Animal House. The iconic comedian kept his role in the industry by directing episodes of NBC’s, The Office.

According to the American College of Rheumatology, Autoimmune vasculitis is a rare condition where white blood cells, which are part of the immune system, attack the walls of the body’s own blood vessels. When this happens, the vessels, which consists of arteries and veins, become inflamed. The severity of this uncommon disease results in limited or blocked flow of blood to the main organs of the body.

Ramis’ battle with this rare condition began in 2010. This autoimmune disease led to him learning how to walk again. He then had a relapse shortly after in 2011 in which he was not able to fully recover from.

The beloved Chicago actor and mentor leaves behind an honorable legacy in film & TV.

As reported by Times Magazine, Bill Murray reminisces on his colleague and dear friend.

“Harold Ramis and I together did the National Lampoon Show off Broadway, Meatballs, Stripes, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him.”

Nicole Scarlett – @NicoleScarlett_