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Groundhog Day began with predictions of two of the country’s most popular groundhogs: Punxsutawney Phil and Woodstock Willie, from the Chicago area. But a long-awaited event—an epic gathering worthy of the festivities—didn’t take place until later.
The cast of the iconic movie “Groundhog Day” gathered at Navy Pier for their first reunion since the film’s release more than 30 years ago.
The event commemorated Harold Ramis, born in Chicagoco-writer and director of the cult favorite, who died in 2014. Cast members, including Brian Doyle Murray, actor Bill Murray’s brother, Marita Geraghty, Peggy Roeder, Robin Duke and Ken Hudson Campbell, shared how Ramis impacted their careers and lives.
Marita Geraghty, who played Nancy Taylor, said Ramis “ruled the game” as an extraordinary producer, actor and director.
“It was so warm, so welcoming,” she said. “He was calm, yet creative. There was just no one like him.”
Robin Duke, who played Doris the waitress, known for her signature line “More coffee, honey?” -said Ramis was always present-but he was so calm that sometimes you wondered who was directing.
“I always feel like he’s present in my life,” she said. “It was a great pleasure to meet him and laugh so much at everything I did with Harold. There was always laughter.”
And of course, the film’s star, Bill Murray, who plays meteorologist Phil Connors, made a surprise appearance. Murray highlighted Ramis’ impact, but began on a different, if appropriate, note.
“We’ve heard a lot about Harold,” Murray said, as the crowd erupted in laughter. “Let’s talk about the weather, okay. Looks like we’re going to have a very early spring.”
“He’s up there stirring up the clouds, making that low pressure move over Indiana and just soaking and ruining the lives of those people in Indiana,” he said.
The acclaimed actor and famous Chicagoan was grateful for the nice weather and thanked Ramis. Murray met Ramis through his brother, as well as other members of the film industry, including Joe Flaherty, from whom he learned a lot.
“Those people were wonderful to me, they were very kind. It’s the kindness of those people that made it possible for me to avoid the penitentiary.”
Brian Doyle Murray said that while his friendship with Ramis dates back to the 1960s, there is one thing he is especially grateful for. Doyle Murray credited Ramis with allowing him to meet his wife, who was a production assistant on Groundhog Day.
“[He was] simply the sweetest man you will ever meet…” said Doyle Murray. “Thank you, Harold, for giving me the opportunity to meet my life partner, and I love you.”
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