The Ghostbusters star and Groundhog Day director was with his family when he died from complications of autoimmune inflammatory vasculitis, a rare condition, his wife Erica Mann Ramis told the Chicago Tribune.

The star found fame as bespectacled ghost-hunter Egon Spengler in the Ghostbusters franchise in 1984.

But he was also a talented writer and director, whose credits included Caddyshack and Animal House.

"His creativity, compassion, intelligence, humour and spirit will be missed by all who knew and loved him," said his family in a statement.

Ramis had been seriously unwell since May 2010 after suffering from an infection. After initial improvements, he suffered a relapse in 2011.

The star had reportedly been quiet about his illness, which dated back to 2010.

But several friends are said to have visited him recently, including Bill Murray from whom he had been estranged for years, the Chicago Tribune said.

Ramis' death prompted an outpouring of tributes on Twitter.

Billy Crystal, who starred in the director's mobster comedies Analyze This and Analyze That, wrote: "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."

Family Guy creator Seth McFarlane wrote: "Harold Ramis was a brilliant, shining example for every comedy writer hoping to achieve excellence in the field."

Source: Press Release