It’s a sad day for many comedy and sci-fi fans everywhere, as the beloved Harold Ramis has passed away.

The 69-year-old actor-director succumbed from complications of autoimmune deficiency vasculitis early this morning. Comic Book Resources said he’s been fighting with serious illness since 2010.

Ramis first got his start at the Second City improv troupe and SCTV, a late-night sketch comedy series.

Ramis went on to write or co-write beloved comedies like Meatballs, Caddyshack, Stripes, Ghostbusters, and Ghostbusters II, and of course Groundhog Day, which he also directed and appeared in.

As an actor, he is undoubtedly best remembered for his roles in Stripes and the two Ghostbusters films, in both of which he appeared with frequent collaborator Bill Murray.

Dr. Egon Spengler has always been my favorite Ghostbuster and my heart is heavy today. Ramis’ friends and family are in GAS’s thoughts today.

[via Comic Book Resources]