Actor Harold Ramis, best-known for his legendary role as Dr. Egon Spengler in the "Ghostbusters" films, and as the director of  hit comedies "Caddyshac," "National Lampoon's Vacation" and "Groundhog Day" has died Monday. The reported cause of death was complications related to auto-immune inflammatory vasculitis. He was 69 years old.

Born in Chicago, Ramis got his start in the entertainment industry at the legendary Second City improvisational theater and made his big Hollywood debut in 1978 when he co-wrote "National Lampoon's Animal House," which starred the late "SNL" star John Belushi.

Ramis went on to co-write and star alongside Bill Murray in "Stripes" in 1981, "Ghostbusters" in 1984 and "Ghostbusters II" in 1989.

He co-wrote and made his directorial debut with the iconic "Caddyshack" in 1980, followed by "National Lampoon's Vacation" in 1983.

Ramis most recently directed the 2009 comedy movie titled "Year One" which starred Jack Black and "Arrested Development" star Michael Cera. In addition, He also starred alongside Seth Rogen in Judd Apatow's box office hit film "Knocked Up."

A pioneer in the comedy world, he was the recipient of the American Comedy Award, the British Comedy Award, and the BAFTA (British Academy) award for screenwriting.

In addition to his wife Erica, Ramis is survived by sons Julian and Daniel, daughter Violet and two grandchildren.