Bill Murray was born on September 21, 1950. He had a remarkable and diverse career in acting. Starting from his early days on “Saturday Night Live” to his recent acclaimed performances in movies like “Lost in Translation” and “The Grand Budapest Hotel,” Murray has always been willing to take risks for interesting roles. Today, let’s explore key aspects of Murray’s life and career, from his unconventional approach to selecting roles to his charitable efforts, because his birthday is a reason to celebrate.
Bill Murray Bio:
| Full Name: | William James Murray |
| Nickname: | Bill, The Murricane |
| Birth date: | September 21, 1950 |
| Age: | 73 |
| Zodiac Sign: | Virgo |
| Height: | 6′ 1″ |
| Relationship Status: | Divorced |
| Net Worth: | $180 million |
Bill Murray Background
Bill Murray is an American actor, comedian, and writer. He first became famous on “Saturday Night Live” for three years. Later, he starred in big Hollywood movies like “Caddyshack,” “Ghostbusters,” “Stripes,” “What About Bob?,” and “Groundhog Day.” Besides acting, Murray has loved golf since he was a teen and often plays in celebrity tournaments.
Most actors start with small TV or movie roles before making it big, and Murray was no different. He began with TV in the 1970s and then got bigger roles in movies.
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His breakthrough came with the comedy “Caddyshack” in 1980, which was a hit. After that, he starred in many popular comedies in the 1980s.
Murray is a unique and mysterious actor in Hollywood. His career has had highs and lows, and he doesn’t follow the usual rules. Recently, he’s been slowing down a bit, taking fewer movie roles and spending more time with family.
Some think he’s just taking a break, while others believe he might be getting ready to retire. Whatever happens, Murray’s later years are bound to be interesting. He’s always up for a challenge.
Bill Murray Early Life and Childhood
Bill Murray became famous through television, especially his work on Saturday Night Live starting in 1975. He didn’t start as a stand-up comedian but showed his comedy acting skills alongside stars like Dan Ackroyd and John Belushi.
He later became known for his hilarious characters in movies like Scrooged, Little Shop Of Horrors, and What About Bob.
Apart from comedy, Bill has a serious side. After a disappointing experience with his first screenplay, he took a break from Hollywood to study philosophy and history at the Sorbonne.
He’s also passionate about sports, especially baseball, and owns or part-owns several minor league teams. But his biggest love is his family.
Born in Illinois in 1950, Bill comes from a large family and has six children of his own. He’s known for his dedication to them, even going as far as chartering a private plane to have his then-wife Jennifer join him for an award ceremony.
Bill Murray, born on September 21, 1950, had a simple beginning. His mom, Lucille Collins, worked in the mail room, and his dad, Edward Joseph Murray II, sold lumber. Bill grew up with eight siblings.
He went to St. Joseph grade school and Loyola Academy. To pay for his education at the Jesuit high school, he worked as a golf caddy when he was a teenager. During his teen years, he was the lead singer of a band called the Dutch Masters and also performed in school and community theater.
He started college at Regis University in Denver but decided to drop out and go back to Illinois. In 1970, he got into trouble at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport for trying to bring cannabis with him. He got convicted and received probation.
Although he values recognition, he believes fame is overrated and prefers the perks of wealth. In 2008, Bill and Jennifer divorced, and sadly, Jennifer passed away in 2021. He was previously married to Margaret Kelly and has two sons with her, Homer and Luke. With Jennifer, he has four sons: Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln.
Bill Murray Films and Career
He teamed up with his brother in the improv comedy scene at ‘The Second City’ in Chicago and learned from Del Close. This experience influenced him to pursue acting. In 1975, he joined the short-lived ABC variety show, Saturday Night Live, and two years later, he moved to NBC’s Saturday Night Live, sticking around for three seasons.
His movie career kicked off in 1979 with the hit ‘Meatballs’ and followed by ‘Where the Buffalo’s Roam,’ though it didn’t do well. 1980 brought redemption with the cult classic ‘Caddyshack,’ and he continued with successes like ‘Stripes’ and ‘Tootsie.’
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In 1984, he co-wrote and starred in ‘The Razor’s Edge,’ which didn’t fare well, leading him to take a four-year break, only making cameo appearances. During this time, he briefly appeared in ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ in 1986, studied philosophy and history at the Sorbonne, and spent time with his family.
He made a comeback in 1988 with ‘Scrooged’ and followed it up with ‘Ghostbusters II’ the next year. He even co-directed ‘Quick Change’ with Howard Franklin. In 1999, he penned the semi-autobiographical book ‘Cinderella Story: My Life in Golf,’ sharing his passion for the game.
When he shifted to dramatic roles, his career soared with notable performances in ‘Wild Things,’ ‘Cradle Will Rock,’ ‘Hamlet,’ and the critically acclaimed 2001 film ‘The Royal Tenenbaums.’
Bill Murray Works
In 1984, he signed a contract with Columbia Pictures to play a role in ‘Ghostbusters.’ Murray portrayed one of the three quirky ghost-catching scientists, and the movie became a massive success.
In the early 1990s, he appeared in films like ‘What About Bob?’ and ‘Groundhog Day,’ earning praise from critics for both. These movies also performed well at the box office.
Bill Murray Awards
In 1998, he earned Best Supporting Actor honors from the New York Film Critics Circle, National Society of Film Critics, and the Los Angeles Film Critics Association for his performance in Wes Anderson’s ‘Rushmore’.
In 2003, he starred in Sofia Coppola’s ‘Lost in Translation’ and took home a Golden Globe Award, a BAFTA Award, and an Independent Spirit Award. However, he didn’t win the Academy Award, losing to Sean Penn.
He received a ‘Primetime Emmy Award’ for his role in ‘Olive Kitteridge’, and in 2016, he was honored with the ‘Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.’
Bill Murray Girlfriend and Wife
In 1981, he got married to Margaret Kelly on Super Bowl Sunday. They had a formal wedding in church with family on March 25 and were blessed with two sons, Homer and Luke.
However, Murray and Kelly eventually divorced when it was revealed that Murray had an affair with Jennifer Butler. He then married Butler in 1997, and together they had four sons: Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln.
Unfortunately, the marriage with Butler ended in 2008 due to issues like domestic violence, infidelity, and problems with substances like sex, marijuana, and alcohol.
Facts About Bill Murray
- He left college to join Chicago’s improv group Second City, where his brother Brian Doyle-Murray was already performing.
- He joined Saturday Night Live in its third season. During a break from Hollywood in the 1980s, he studied philosophy at the Sorbonne in Paris.
- His sister, Nancy, is a Dominican nun. He’s been involved with several minor league baseball teams, and he’s a big fan of the Chicago Cubs. During the Cubs’ 2003 playoff run, he had a satellite installed in Italy, where he was working, so he could watch the games.
- He often appears in films by director Wes Anderson, starting with Rushmore in 1998.
- Woody Harrelson convinced him to make a memorable cameo as himself in Zombieland in 2009.
- Interestingly, he doesn’t have an agent or manager, which is quite unusual in Hollywood.
Conclusion:
Bill Murray, born on September 21, 1950, has carved an unconventional and remarkable path in the entertainment industry. From his early days on “Saturday Night Live” to iconic roles in films like “Caddyshack” and “Lost in Translation,” Murray’s career reflects a willingness to take risks and defy traditional norms. Beyond acting, his passion for golf, dedication to family, and involvement in charitable efforts contribute to his multifaceted persona. As he navigates the later years of his career, the enigmatic actor continues to captivate audiences, leaving a lasting impact on Hollywood.
FAQs About Bill Murray:
Q: What is Bill Murray’s net worth?
A: Bill Murray’s net worth is estimated to be $180 million.
Q: How many children does Bill Murray have?
A: Bill Murray has six children—two with his first wife, Margaret Kelly (Homer and Luke), and four with his second wife, Jennifer Butler (Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln).
Q: What awards has Bill Murray won?
A: Bill Murray has received numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe, a BAFTA, and an Independent Spirit Award for his role in “Lost in Translation.” He also earned a ‘Primetime Emmy Award’ and the ‘Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.’
Q: Why did Bill Murray take a break from Hollywood in the 1980s?
A: Bill Murray took a break in the 1980s after the release of “The Razor’s Edge,” which didn’t perform well. During this time, he made cameo appearances, studied philosophy and history at the Sorbonne, and spent time with his family.
Q: How many seasons did Bill Murray spend on “Saturday Night Live”?
A: Bill Murray spent three seasons on “Saturday Night Live,” joining in its third season in 1975.
