Bill Murray Then and Now

Bill Murray Then

Bill Murray, born William J. Murray on September 21, 1950, in Wilmette, Illinois, emerged from a large family as the fifth of nine children. 

His early years were marked by a penchant for mischief and rebellion, traits that both hindered and shaped his path. 

From getting kicked out of Little League to a more serious brush with the law at age 20 when he was arrested for attempting to smuggle nearly nine pounds of marijuana through Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, Murray’s youth was turbulent. 

These experiences, however, did not define his future but rather acted as catalysts for a dramatic shift in his life direction.

Seeking a way to channel his restless energy and innate comedic talent, Murray followed his older brother, Brian Doyle-Murray, into the world of improvisational comedy. 

Joining the renowned Second City troupe in Chicago provided him with the structure and platform he needed. 

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Second City was more than just a comedy troupe; it was a training ground for many successful comedians and actors, known for its rigorous and innovative approach to improv.

Here, Murray honed his skills, developed his distinctive style, and forged connections that would propel his career forward. 

The experience was transformative, allowing him to turn his earlier troubles into a foundation for his comedic persona and subsequent success.

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Bill Murray’s Acting Career

Bill Murray’s acting career began with a stint on the National Lampoon Radio Hour in 1975, where he worked alongside comedy legends John Belushi and Dan Aykroyd. This period was instrumental in shaping his early comedic style.

From 1977 to 1980, Murray became a household name through his performances on NBC’s Saturday Night Live (SNL). 

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His portrayal of a seedy, shifty comedic persona on SNL garnered him widespread popularity and set the stage for his transition to film. Murray’s film career took off with a series of successful comedies.

His debut in Meatballs (1979) was followed by standout performances in Caddyshack (1980) and Stripes (1981). 

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However, it was his role in Ghostbusters (1984) alongside Aykroyd and Harold Ramis that catapulted him to international fame, as the film became one of the highest-grossing movies of the decade. 

Despite this early success, a string of less successful films led Murray to take a self-imposed break from acting.

He returned to the screen with Quick Change (1990), a film he both directed and starred in.

This marked a turning point in his career, showcasing his versatility beyond the comedic roles he was known for.

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His role as a burned-out weatherman in the existential comedy Groundhog Day (1993) further highlighted his ability to tackle more nuanced and thoughtful characters. 

This period saw Murray taking on diverse roles, including a supporting part in Tim Burton’s Ed Wood (1994) and a memorable performance in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore (1998).

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Murray’s career reached new heights with his role in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation (2003). 

Playing a washed-up American actor visiting Japan, Murray’s performance earned him critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe and a BAFTA, as well as an Academy Award nomination. 

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This role demonstrated his depth and sensitivity as an actor, solidifying his reputation as an accomplished dramatic performer. 

He continued to receive praise for his performance in Jim Jarmusch’s Broken Flowers (2005), where he played a bachelor reassessing his past romantic choices.

Murray’s collaboration with Wes Anderson continued with notable roles in The Royal Tenenbaums (2001), The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004), and The Darjeeling Limited (2007). 

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He also voiced characters in Anderson’s animated films, providing the voice for Garfield in the eponymous films (2004 and 2006) and a badger in Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009). 

His voice acting extended to Isle of Dogs (2018), where he played a canine exile on Trash Island.

In addition to his work with Anderson, Murray took on a variety of roles in other notable films. 

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He played a funeral director in Get Low (2009) and a mobster in Passion Play (2010). 

In 2012, he portrayed President Franklin D. Roosevelt in Hyde Park on Hudson, focusing on the president’s personal life during a pivotal weekend in 1939. 

Murray’s role in The Monuments Men (2014) showcased his ability to blend comedy and drama, while his performance in St. Vincent (2014) as a rough-around-the-edges ne’er-do-well earned him critical acclaim. 

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His portrayal of a depressed widower in the HBO miniseries Olive Kitteridge (2014) earned him an Emmy Award.

Continuing his diverse career, Murray played a music manager in Rock the Kasbah (2015) and lent his voice to Baloo in The Jungle Book (2016). 

He appeared in Jarmusch’s zombie film The Dead Don’t Die (2019) and reteamed with Coppola for On the Rocks (2020).

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Murray also made witty cameos in the Ghostbusters reboots (2016, 2021, and 2024) and took on supporting roles in The Now (2021) and The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022). 

In 2023, he joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe with a role in Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania.

Bill Murray’s career is a testament to his versatility and enduring appeal, successfully transitioning from iconic comedic roles to more dramatic and complex characters while maintaining a distinctive presence in both film and television.

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Bill Murray Movies

• Next Stop, Greenwich Village (1976)
• Meatballs (1979) 
• Where the Buffalo Roam (1980) 
• Caddyshack (1980)
• Stripes (1981)
• Tootsie (1982) 
• Ghostbusters (1984) 
• Nothing Lasts Forever (1984) 
• The Razor’s Edge (1984) 
• Little Shop of Horrors (1986) 
• Scrooged (1988) 
• Ghostbusters II (1989) 
• Quick Change (1990) 
• What About Bob? (1991)
• Groundhog Day (1993) 
• Mad Dog and Glory (1993) 
• Ed Wood (1994) 
• Kingpin (1996)
• Space Jam (1996) 
• Larger than Life (1996) 
• The Man Who Knew Too Little (1997) 
• Wild Things (1998) 
• Rushmore (1998) 
• Cradle Will Rock (1999) 
• Hamlet (2000) 
• Charlie’s Angels (2000) 
• Osmosis Jones (2001) 
• The Royal Tenenbaums (2001) 
• Speaking of Sex (2001) 
• Lost in Translation (2003) 
• Coffee and Cigarettes (2003) 
• Garfield: The Movie (2004) – Garfield (voice)
• The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou (2004)
• Broken Flowers (2005) 
• Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties (2006) – Garfield (voice)
• The Lost City (2005) 
• The Darjeeling Limited (2007) 
• Get Smart (2008) 
• City of Ember (2008) 
• Fantastic Mr. Fox (2009) – Badger (voice)
• Get Low (2009) 
• Passion Play (2010) 
• Moonrise Kingdom (2012) 
• Hyde Park on Hudson (2012) 
• A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III (2012)
• The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014) 
• The Monuments Men (2014) 
• St. Vincent (2014) 
• Dumb and Dumber To (2014)
• Aloha (2015) 
• Rock the Kasbah (2015) 
• The Jungle Book (2016) – Baloo (voice)
• Ghostbusters (2016) 
• Isle of Dogs (2018) – Boss (voice)
• The Dead Don’t Die (2019)
• Zombieland: Double Tap (2019) 
• On the Rocks (2020)
• Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)
• The French Dispatch (2021)
• Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023)
• Asteroid City (2023)
• The Saint of Second Chances (2023)
• Air (2023)
• Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024)

Bill Murray’s Wife and Children

Bill Murray’s personal life has seen its share of public interest, largely due to his high-profile marriages and family life. 

In 1981, Murray married Margaret “Mickey” Kelley, and together they had two sons, Homer and Luke. 

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Their marriage lasted until 1994, during which time Murray was solidifying his status as a leading comedic actor in Hollywood.

The end of their marriage coincided with a transitional period in Murray’s career, where he began to explore more dramatic roles and step back slightly from the limelight.

In 1997, Murray found love again with Jennifer Butler, a costume designer he met through his work in the film industry.

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Their marriage brought forth four more sons: Jackson, Cal, Cooper, and Lincoln. 

This period was marked by both professional success and personal fulfillment, as Murray continued to take on diverse roles that showcased his range as an actor. 

However, the marriage ended in 2008, following Butler’s filing for divorce, which brought some of Murray’s private struggles into public view.

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Despite these personal challenges, Murray has remained a dedicated father. 

His relationships with his children have often been a grounding force for him amidst the ups and downs of his career and personal life.

Through his two marriages and fatherhood, Murray has navigated the complexities of balancing a demanding career with family responsibilities, a testament to his resilience and commitment to those he loves.

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Bill Murray Now

At 73 years old, Bill Murray remains a prominent figure in the entertainment industry, celebrated for his distinctive deadpan delivery and versatility in roles that span studio comedies to independent dramas. 

Murray’s unique comedic style, characterized by his dry wit and understated delivery, has made him a standout in Hollywood.

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In recognition of his significant contributions to comedy and entertainment, Murray was awarded the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. 

This honor is bestowed upon individuals who have had an impact on American society similar to that of Mark Twain, using humor to highlight the human condition and bring joy to audiences.

Recently, Murray reprised his role in the highly anticipated film “Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire,” set for release in 2024.

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This movie continues the legacy of the beloved Ghostbusters franchise, in which Murray’s portrayal of Dr. Peter Venkman has become iconic. 

The film adds to his extensive and varied filmography, showcasing his enduring appeal and relevance in contemporary cinema.

Beyond his work in front of the camera, Bill Murray is also known for his talents as a writer and producer.

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His diverse skill set and contributions to the industry have earned him not only critical acclaim but also substantial financial success. 

With a net worth of $180 million, Murray’s career is a testament to his talent, perseverance, and the significant impact he has had on both comedy and film.

Bill Murray’s continued presence in the entertainment world, coupled with his accolades and financial achievements, underscores his status as a legendary figure in American culture.

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His ability to navigate various genres and maintain a strong connection with audiences makes him a truly remarkable and enduring performer.