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'Ghostbusters' Actor Rick Moranis Sucker Punched In The Head In New York City

A stranger walked up to Rick Moranis and punched him in the head, causing him to fall to the ground.

By Gina Tron
Police Search For Man Who Sucker-Punched Actor Rick Moranis

Police in New York City are searching for a man who sucker punched actor Rick Moranis in an apparent random attack.

The assault happened a little after 7 a.m. in Manhattan’s Upper West Side on Thursday, NYPD Crime Stoppers tweeted. They posted surveillance video footage which shows an unknown man in a “I (heart) NY" sweatshirt approaching another man under a construction scaffolding. The victim appears to be walking as he is sucked punched and knocked to the ground by the attacker, who slowly walks away.

While the victim was blurred out in the footage, a police spokesperson identified him as Moranis, 67, to New York City’s CBS 2.

ABC 7 points out that the attack occurred just blocks away from where Moranis’ character lived in “Ghostbusters.” In addition to starring in both “Ghostbusters” movies in the 1980s, the actor is also well known for his roles in “Spaceballs,” “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids,” and “Little Shop of Horrors.” He has kept a low profile in more recent years and took a decade-long hiatus from acting in 2008 until last year.

Moranis’ head, back, and hip were reportedly injured in the surprising attack, CBS 2 reports. Still, he managed to get to a hospital on his own, according to ABC 7. After getting treatment, Moranis then made a police report at a local precinct. 

He is “fine, but grateful for everyone’s thoughts and well wishes,” Moranis’ management team told CBS 2.  

Celebrities and fans alike had taken to social media following the first reports to express concern for the beloved actor.

"My blood is boiling," actor Chris Evans tweeted. "Find this man. You don’t touch Rick Moranis."

Anyone with information about the attack is urged to call the NYPD’s Crime Stoppers hotline at 1-800-577-TIPS (8477). To give a tip in Spanish, one can call 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Tips can also be submitted via their website or on Twitter, @NYPDTips. All tips are confidential.

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