This Monday, the world lost a great man. Harold Ramis, best known for his role as Egon Spengler in “Ghostbusters,” died of complications from an autoimmune disorder. This was a tragic loss for anyone who was not just a fan of “Ghostbusters,” but a fan of classic comedy in general. The worst part, for me, was trying to talk to people about the fact that I lost a hero today and hearing “who is Harold Ramis?”

Who is Harold Ramis?

Harold earned his place in comedy history by co-writing the films “National Lampoon's Animal House,” “Ghostbusters,” “Stripes,” “Caddyshack,” and “Groundhog Day.” That's just the beginning. The man directed several movies, including “National Lampoon's Vacation,” “Multiplicity,” “Analyze This,” and “The Ice Harvest.”

He worked at Second City with John Belushi and Bill Murray years before breaking into the film industry. He was head writer for “SCTV,” and was offered a job writing for “Saturday Night Live,” but turned it down to continue with “SCTV.”

The last movie Harold directed was “Year One,” which was not favored well with critics or audiences.

Harold was a big factor in leading my life to where it is. I would not be here, writing this article, if it weren't for this man. “Ghostbusters” is my favorite franchise of all time, and inspired me to be a writer and actor. One of my earliest memories is of watching “Ghostbusters” with my babysitter; more specifically, the scene in which they try to catch Slimer in the ballroom. We would rewind and watch the moment where Egon is blasting the bar to pieces until Venkman says “Whoa whoa whoa, nice shooting, Tex.” I remember laughing hysterically. I was maybe three years old.

A few years after that, I went out for Halloween dressed as Egon from “The Real Ghostbusters” cartoon. He was always my favorite. He was smart, but funny. He always knew what to do. I wanted to be like that. I still do. As I grew older, I started likening myself more to Ray, but Egon still holds a special place in my heart.

I've seen a lot of celebrity deaths throughout my life, but none have hit me harder than Harold Ramis. I'm not afraid to admit that I cried several times today. This man, an icon of my childhood, a hero of my adulthood, is now gone. Right now, writing this, I can look out my window and see the high school he went to. I can drive down the street to where his parents once owned a liquor store. Physically, we were so close to each other, yet, this man, a man I never actually knew, is gone and I feel like an old friend has died.

Harold Ramis was my hero. One of many, but important, nonetheless. I will miss him, as will the world of comedy in general.

The last question anyone should have been asking is “Who is Harold Ramis?”

Rest in Peace, Dr. Spengler. You've… You've earned it.