Dan Aykroyd has led tributes to his 'Ghostbusters' co-star Harold Ramis.
Actor, director and writer Harold passed away earlier this morning (24.02.14), and Dan - who co-wrote as well as starred in both 'Ghostbusters' and 'Ghostbusters II' with him - led condolences.
He said in an email message: "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."
Ivan Reitman, director of the two movies, also paid tribute, saying: "The world has lost a wonderful, truly original, comedy voice with the passing of Harold Ramis.
"He possessed the most agile mind I've ever witnessed. He always had the clearest sense of what was funny and how to create something in a new clever way ... Harold had an extraordinary impact on my career and I loved him like a brother."
Harold worked on many other films as writer and director in his career including 'Caddyshack', 'Groundhog Day,' 'Analyze This' and 'Animal House', making a huge impact in Hollywood.
Billy Crystal wrote on Twitter: "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."
Steven Martin tweeted: "So sorry to hear about the death of Harold Ramis, a comedy master. 'Ghostbusters', 'Groundhog Day', and more."
Film director Ron Howard also paid tribute, saying: "Harold Ramis RIP. no one could ever top him in terms of somehow being Cool & off-the-charts creative and incredibly kind & gracious. (sic)"
Some of Harold's last work was directing episodes of the US version of 'The Office', prompting one of the show's stars, Rainn Wilson to write: "Was honored to have gotten to work with Harold Ramis, the Buddha of Comedy. Brilliant, humble, radiant. We've lost an icon."
Another one of the show's former stars, Steve Carell, wrote: "Harold Ramis. Funny, gracious, kind hearted. A joy to have known you."
Harold is survived by his wife, Erica Mann Ramis, their two sons, Julian and Daniel as well as his daughter, Violet Ramis, with former spouse Anne Plotkin.
Tagged in Dan Aykroyd Robert De Niro Harold Ramis