Harold Ramis, Newest Member of The Hollywood Comedy Cartel



(image via nndb)

Harold Ramis is certainly not new to the Hollywood Comedic Establishment (tm). Ramis, though occasionally raunchy, cemented himself as a Comedy icon by directing "Groundhog Day," which, curiously -- with its theme of Love-Conquers-All -- mirrors the sweet, couples-friendly comedic stylings of newbie American comedy superhero Judd Apatow. From Variety:

""Jack Black is starring in 'Year One,' a comedy Judd Apatow is producing for Columbia. Harold Ramis, who appears in a small role in Apatow's 'Knocked Up,' will direct and co-produce, and Michael Cera, who stars in "Superbad," another Apatow production for Col, is also attached to star. Ramis co-wrote the project with 'The Office' scribes Gene Stupnitsky and Lee Eisenberg, based on his story. Owen Wilson will exec produce." (Variety)

Ramis has, to be sure, been a comedic legend since Bill Murray and the "Stripes." He cut his comedic chops on "Ghostbusters" in the 80s. But the Left Coast's Comedy Mafiosos -- The Butterscotch Stallion, Stiller, Apatow, et al -- an intensely nostalgic bunch of Gen Xers, has recognized Ramis with comedy geek honors by bringing him into their fratty fold.

The 21st century Rat Pack? And .. who'se the Sinatra?