Remembering Harold Ramis and 'Caddyshack'

IN HIS WORDS: Jesse Ventura discusses the legacy of Harold Ramis

HAROLD RAMIS was celebrated and mourned today at a private funeral service. The late director-writer-actor brought comedic joy to many generations.

When I was governor of Minnesota, I had the opportunity to meet the Dalai Lama and ask him the most important question I think you could ask - I asked him if he had ever seen "Caddyshack" because they make reference to him in the movie.

"Caddyshack" is one of my all time favorite movies. Any avid golfer would agree it's comedy genius. In fact, Adam Sandler admits the movie inspired him to make "Happy Gilmore."

From "Ghostbusters" to "Groundhog Day" to "Analyze This," the comedies of Harold Ramis live on and inspire today's comedians, filmmakers, writers, and actors.

Among the many who cite Harold Ramis as a mentor and a source of key inspiration: Judd Apatow (“The 40 Year Old Virgin,” “Knocked Up”), Jay Roach (“Meet the Parents,” the “Austin Powers” movies), Peter Farrelly (“There's Something About Mary,” “Dumb and Dumber”), Jake Kasdan (“Walk Hard: The Dewey Cox Story,” “Orange County,” both of which featured Ramis in small roles) and as I mentioned before, Adam Sandler.