Harold Ramis, the much-loved American actor, director, writer and producer, has died, sparking thousands to leave messages of condolence on social media sites and forums.

Ramis leaves behind his estate worth approximately $50 million, as well as wife Erica Mann, sons Julian and Daniel, daughter Violet and two grandchildren.

Ramis was born on November 21, 1944 in Chicago Illinois, and is well-known for starring in and writing some of the most legendary comedy films of the 80s and 90s. Some of the most famous films Harold penned during his legendary career include "Stripes", "Ghostbusters", "Ghostbusters II" "Groundhog Day" and "Year One".

Some of the noteworthy movies Harold directed also includes "Cadyshack", "National Lampoon's Vacation", "Groundhog Day" and "Analyze This".

Ramis also starred in many of these films but his most extraordinarily role will undoubtedly always be the highly intelligent Dr. Egon Spengler in both Ghostbusters films. Ramis first debuted in television on the sketch series SCTV, where he was the original head writer and an actor.

After graduating from Washington University in St. Louis in 1966, Ramis worked at a mental institution for seven months. In addition, he also worked as a substitute teacher as he also worked as a freelance comedy writer and aspiring sketch comic.

Ramis would then work for the legendary Canadian sketch show titled SCTV, where he worked with future stars such as John Belushi, John Candy, Bill Murray, Gilda Radner and Christopher Guest. He wrote a spec script for the comedy magazine National Lampoon which was ultimately turned into "Animal House".

"Animal House" was made on a small budget. However, the film which starred the late Belushi in the lead role went on to make over $140 million at the box office, enough to make it one of the most profitable films of all time.

In addition to his wife Erica Mann, Ramis is survived by sons Julian and Daniel, daughter Violet and two grandchildren. Harold Ramis died on February 24, 2014.