One of America’s greatest comic writers and directors Harold Ramis has died at age 69.

His lawyer Fred Toczek says he died early on Monday morning from complications of autoimmune inflammatory disease.

As well as starring and co-writing in the classic 1980s film Ghostbusters, Ramis directed the legendary comedy Groundhog Day, starring Bill Murray.

He also co-wrote National Lampoon’s Animal House and Meatballs and had directing, acting and writing credits on Analyze This, Stripes and Caddyshack.

Ramis (far left) on the set of the 1984 smash hit film Ghostbusters. Photo: Supplied

The former director famously had a tiff with his Groundhog Day star during the making of the classic movie, but Murray released this kind statement to Time Magazine today:

“Harold Ramis and I together did the National Lampoon Show off Broadway, Meatballs, Stripes, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day. He earned his keep on this planet. God bless him,” the statement said,

There was also an outpouring of grief on Twitter from many of his comedy peers, including his close friend and Ghostbuster’s co-star Dan Ackroyd.

Deeply saddened to hear of the passing of my brilliant, gifted, funny friend, co-writer/performer and teacher Harold Ramis.

— Dan Aykroyd (@dan_aykroyd) 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

So sorry to hear about the death of Harold Ramis, a comedy master. Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and more.

— Steve Martin (@SteveMartinToGo) February 24, 2014

Harold Ramis. Funny, gracious, kind hearted. A joy to have known you.

— Steve Carell (@SteveCarell) February 24, 2014

Ramis is survived by his wife, Erica Mann, and his three children.

Harold Ramis: His five best films

1. Groundhog Day (1993)
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray and Andy MacDowell

2. Ghostbusters (1984)
Director: Ivan Reitman
Screenplay: Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd and Rick Moranis
Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Dan Aykroyd and Rick Moranis

3. Stripes (1981)
Director: Ivan Reitman
Screenplay: Len Blum, Daniel Goldberg and Harold Ramis
Starring: Bill Murray, Harold Ramis and John Candy

4. National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Chevy Chase and Beverley D’Angelo

5. Caddyshack (1980)
Director: Harold Ramis
Starring: Chevy Chase and Rodney Dangerfield

With AAP