National Lampoon’s Animal House. Meatballs. Caddyshack. Stripes. National Lampoon’s Vacation. Ghostbusters 1 and 2. Club Paradise.
Back to School. Armed and Dangerous. Groundhog Day. Multiplicity. As Good As It Gets. Analyze This. Orange County. Analyze That. Knocked Up.
The above partial list of Harold Ramis’ movie collaborations — as a writer, actor, director and producer — is matched only by the incredible magic this legend worked on the home screen (SCTV, The Office, etc.).
On Feb. 24, the ever-talented Ramis departed this world — but he left it a much better place than when he arrived 69 years ago.
Ramis touched — and continues to touch — countless lives through his comedic works. He wasn’t just a world-class writer and entertainer. He was a role model. His gentle, affable personality and disarming wit helped attract the best talent — Bill Murray, Chevy Chase, Dan Akroyd and the late John Belushi and John Candy to name just a few — with a rare shared goal of checking all egos at the door and bringing out the best in each other.
When it comes to collaborating — whether it be Hollywood’s greats partnering on blockbuster projects or us average Joes teaming on day-to-day To Dos at work (and home) — Ramis reminds us that recognizing and fostering the inherent goodness in each of us is the key that unlocks to door to group greatness.
As Ramis himself so aptly put it: “Nothing reinforces a professional relationship more than enjoying success together.” pmp
You can reach Whitford at mwhitford@northcoastmedia.net or 216-706-3766.
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