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A photo of Harold Allen Ramis

Harold Allen Ramis 1944 - 2014

Harold Allen Ramis was born on November 21, 1944 in Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States to Nathan Ramis and Ruth Henrietta Ramis, and had a brother Steven Barry Ramis. He married Anne Jean Ramis on July 2, 1967 in Chicago, Cook County and they later divorced in 1984 in Chicago. They had a child Violet Isadora Ramis. Harold's partner was Amy Irene Heckerling in 1984 in Chicago, Cook County and they later separated in 1988 in Chicago. They had a child Mollie Sara Israel. He and Erica Anne Ramis married on May 7, 1989 in Chicago, Cook County, and they were married until Harold's death on February 24, 2014 in Glencoe. They had children Julian Arthur Ramis and Daniel Hayes Ramis.
Harold Allen Ramis
November 21, 1944
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois, United States
February 24, 2014
Glencoe, Cook County, Illinois, United States
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Harold Allen Ramis' History: 1944 - 2014

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  • Introduction

    Harold Allen Ramis, widely recognized as a multi-talented comedian, writer, actor, and director, left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. Born on November 21, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois, Ramis became known for his sharp wit, dry humor, and creative genius. Throughout his career, he played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of comedy, both on-screen and behind the scenes. From his early days as a writer for the legendary sketch comedy show "SCTV" to his iconic performances in classic films like "Ghostbusters" and "Groundhog Day," Ramis showcased his unparalleled talent and comedic timing. With a knack for crafting intelligent, hilarious stories, he also established himself as a sought-after director, helming beloved movies such as "Caddyshack" and "National Lampoon's Vacation." As a true pioneer in the world of comedy, Harold Ramis will always be remembered as a visionary who brought laughter and joy to millions, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.
  • 11/21
    1944

    Birthday

    November 21, 1944
    Birthdate
    Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States
    Birthplace
  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Harold Allen Ramis hailed from a diverse ethnic background that encompassed Jewish and Ukrainian heritage. His parents, Ruth and Nathan Ramis, were Jewish immigrants who had settled in Chicago. The family's Ukrainian roots added a unique cultural influence to Ramis's upbringing, shaping his perspectives and identity.
  • Nationality & Locations

    Ramis's spent most of his early years primarily in Chicago, Illinois. Growing up in the diverse neighborhoods of Chicago, he was exposed to the rich culture and vibrant arts scene that the city had to offer. These formative years in Chicago influenced his comedic sensibilities and provided him with a unique perspective on American society. As his career flourished, Ramis's work took him to various locations across the United States. He filmed movies and television shows in different cities, collaborated with fellow artists from coast to coast, and engaged with audiences nationwide. His experiences in these diverse locales further enriched his understanding of American culture and allowed him to connect with people from all walks of life.
  • Early Life & Education

    Ramis completed his high school education at Senn High School in Chicago, Illinois. It was during these years that his passion for comedy began to take shape, as he honed his comedic talents and explored his creative talent. After graduating from high school, Ramis continued his education at Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri. He pursued a degree in English, where he further expanded his understanding of language, literature, and storytelling. This academic background provided him with a strong linguistic foundation that would prove invaluable in his future comedic and writing endeavors. During his time at Washington University, Ramis also became involved in improvisational comedy and theater groups. These extracurricular activities allowed him to refine his comedic skills, experiment with different comedic styles, and collaborate with fellow performers. The experiences gained from his involvement in these creative pursuits would serve as a springboard for his future career in comedy. After completing his undergraduate studies, Ramis continued his education at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. There, he focused on film and earned a degree in film production. This formal training equipped him with technical knowledge and a deeper understanding of the filmmaking process, which he would later apply to his directorial work. Ramis's educational background in English, combined with his practical training in film production, provided him with a unique blend of skills that would shape his approach to comedy and storytelling. His ability to craft engaging narratives, develop compelling characters, and deliver witty dialogue was informed by both his academic studies and hands-on experiences.
  • Religious Beliefs

    Growing up in a close-knit Jewish community, Ramis developed a strong connection to his heritage. He embraced Jewish traditions, customs, and values that were passed down through generations. This cultural foundation played a significant role in shaping his worldview and creative expressions throughout his life.
  • Professional Career

    Ramis began his professional journey as a performer, honing his comedic skills in improvisational theater groups such as The Second City in Chicago. This early experience allowed him to develop his unique comedic style and showcased his talent for improvisation and wit. It was during this time that Ramis formed lasting creative partnerships with fellow comedians, including John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Dan Aykroyd, who would go on to collaborate with him on numerous projects. As a writer, Ramis made notable contributions to iconic comedy shows such as "SCTV" and "Saturday Night Live." His sharp wit and comedic sensibilities helped shape the comedic landscape of television during the 1970s. Ramis's talent for crafting humorous and relatable characters, coupled with his knack for writing memorable sketches, garnered him acclaim and laid the foundation for his future success. Ramis's career reached new heights when he transitioned into directing and producing. He made his directorial debut with the comedy classic "Caddyshack" in 1980, which became a cult favorite and showcased his ability to blend physical comedy with witty dialogue. This success propelled him to direct and co-write other beloved films, including "National Lampoon's Vacation," "Groundhog Day," and "Ghostbusters," which have become enduring classics and solidified his status as a prominent filmmaker. Throughout his career, Ramis demonstrated a keen understanding of comedy, often infusing his work with social commentary and satire. His films explored themes of personal growth, redemption, and the human condition, all while delivering laughter and entertainment. Ramis's directorial style was characterized by his ability to balance humor with heart, creating stories that resonated with audiences on a deeper level. In addition to his work in film and television, Ramis also shared his knowledge and experience as an educator. He taught comedy writing at the University of Chicago and imparted his wisdom to aspiring comedians and filmmakers, inspiring a new generation of talent.
  • Personal Life & Family

    In 1967, Ramis married his first wife, Gail Saltzberg, with whom he had two children, sons named Julian and Daniel. Although their marriage eventually ended in divorce, Ramis remained dedicated to his role as a father and maintained a close relationship with his children throughout his life. In 1989, Ramis married Erica Mann, and together they had a daughter named Violet. Ramis's commitment to family extended beyond his immediate relatives, as he was known to prioritize spending quality time with his loved ones and nurturing strong connections. Outside of his personal life, Ramis was deeply passionate about his craft and had an unwavering commitment to creativity and storytelling. He was known for his intelligence, wit, and insightful perspective, which he channeled into his work. Ramis's keen observations of human behavior and his ability to find humor in everyday situations contributed to the relatability and timeless appeal of his comedic projects. Ramis's personal life was also characterized by his generosity and mentorship. He was known for his willingness to collaborate and share his knowledge and experiences with aspiring comedians and filmmakers. Ramis was respected and admired by many in the industry for his professionalism, kindness, and commitment to fostering creativity. Tragically, Harold Ramis passed away on February 24, 2014, at the age of 69, due to complications from an autoimmune disease. His untimely death was mourned by fans and fellow colleagues alike, who recognized the immense impact he had made on the world of comedy and film.
  • 02/24
    2014

    Death

    February 24, 2014
    Death date
    Vasculitis, complications from an autoimmune disease
    Cause of death
    Glencoe, Cook County, Illinois United States
    Death location
  • 02/26
    2014

    Gravesite & Burial

    February 26, 2014
    Funeral date
    Shalom Memorial Park Jewish Funeral Home 1700 W Rand Rd, in Arlington Heights, Cook County, Illinois 60004, United States
    Burial location
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Add Memories, Stories & Photos about Harold

Harold Ramis
06/28/2023
Harold Ramis
Actor “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Ghostbusters 2” (1989)
Director “Caddyshack” (1980)
Date & Place: at Pieter in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California 80129, United States
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Harold Ramis' Family Tree & Friends

Marriage

Anne Jean Ramis

&

Harold Allen Ramis

July 2, 1967
Marriage date
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States
Marriage location
Divorce
Cause of Separation
1984
Divorce date
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States
Divorce location
Partnership

Amy Irene Heckerling

&

Harold Allen Ramis

1984
Start of partnership
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States
Start of partnership location
Separated
Cause of Separation
1988
End of partnership
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States
End of partnership location
Marriage

Erica Anne Ramis

&

Harold Allen Ramis

May 7, 1989
Marriage date
Chicago, Cook County, Illinois United States
Marriage location
Harold's Death
Cause of Separation
February 24, 2014
Harold's death date
Glencoe, Cook County, Illinois United States
Separation location
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Friendships

Harold's Friends

Friends of Harold Friends can be as close as family. Add Harold's family friends, and his friends from childhood through adulthood.
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3 Followers & Sources
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