Actor and director, Harold Ramis, died today after battling with an autoimmune illness since May 2010.

The 69-year-old's wife, Erica, told the Chicago Tribune that Ramis died early this morning from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis.

Linked to many famous comedies such as National Lampoon’s Vacation,  Knocked Up, Groundhog Day, (wrote, directed and produced). While his directing credits include Caddyshack, Analyse This and the American version of The Office, Ramis is best known for his role as Dr. Egon Spengler in the 1980's Ghostbuster hit film series.

Long-term friend and co-star, Dan Aykroyd, wrote this message today in response to actor's death: "Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend, co-writer/performer and teacher Harold Ramis. May he now get the answers he was always seeking."

Others in Hollywood took to their social media accounts to pay tribute to the late actor.

No no not Harold Ramis. Worked for him years ago. He was the real deal. Growing up, his work changed my life. He will be missed. — Jon Favreau (@Jon_Favreau) February 24, 2014

 

Sad to hear my friend Harold Ramis passed away. A brilliant, funny, actor and director. A wonderful husband and dad. Big loss to us all. bc — Billy Crystal (@BillyCrystal) February 24, 2014

 

Harold Ramis was a brilliant, shining example for every comedy writer hoping to achieve excellence the field. He will be sorely missed. — Seth MacFarlane (@SethMacFarlane) February 24, 2014

 

If you're my age and got into comedy, Harold Ramis was one of the reasons. Life is fast and over too soon. — Zach Braff (@zachbraff) February 24, 2014

 

Dammit. Harold Ramis passed away. Caddyshack. Vacation. Stripes. Ghostbusters. Groundhog Day. Animal House. One of the greats. Sad day. — Mark Hoppus (@markhoppus) February 24, 2014

 

So sad to hear about Harold Ramis. One of the all time greats. — Seth Meyers (@sethmeyers) February 24, 2014

 

Was honored to have gotten to work with Harold Ramis, the Buddha of Comedy. Brilliant, humble, radiant. We've lost an icon. #GroundhogDay — RainnWilson (@rainnwilson) February 24, 2014