Actor, writer and director Harold Ramis, known for such seminal comedies as 'Groundhog Day', 'Caddyshack' and 'Ghostbusters' has died.

Ramis (69) was surrounded by family and friends in his Chicago area home when he died on Monday morning, according a release from United Talent Agency.

The comedy star had been battling complications stemming from auto-immune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare blood vessel disorder.

Ramis is perhaps best known for his work on 'Ghostbusters', which he co-wrote and starred with fellow 'Second City' alums Dan Aykroyd and Bill Murray.

The 1984 film, in which Ramis portrayed Dr. Egon Spengler, still ranks among the top 25 grossing comedies of all time.

Ramis also helped write the iconic 1978 American comedy 'National Lampoon's Animal House', starring the late John Belushi. He also directed such films as 'Caddyshack' and 'Groundhog Day'.

His most recent film, 'Year One,' starring Jack Black and Michael Cera, was released in 2009.

"His creativity, compassion, intelligence, humor and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him" read a statement from United Talent spokesperson Chris Day.

Other tributes to the comedy legend began pouring in on social media.

Family Guy creator Seth MacFarlane tweeted "Harold Ramis was a brilliant, shining example for every comedy writer hoping to achieve excellence in the field. He will be sorely missed".

Ramis got his start in comedy in 1969 at Chicago's famed 'Second City' improvisational theatre troupe, while still employed as associate editor at 'Playboy Magazine'.

He is survived by his wife Erica, the couple's three children and two grandchildren.