Bill Murray is an American actor and comedian who has become one of the most beloved figures in the entertainment industry. With his unique blend of wit, charm, and improvisational skills, Murray has captivated audiences for decades. From his early days on “Saturday Night Live” from 1977 to 1980, where he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series to his iconic roles in films such as “Ghostbusters” and “Groundhog Day,” Murray’s career has been nothing short of remarkable.
| Full Name | William James Murray |
| Birth Date / Age | September 21, 1950 / 72 Years Old |
| Birth Place | Evanston, Illinois, United States |
| Source of Wealth | Actor and comedian |
| Relationship Status | Divorced |
| Height | 6 ft. 2 in. / 187 cm. |
| Net Worth | $185 Million |
Early Life and Background
Bill Murray’s birth took place on September 21, 1950, in Evanston, Illinois. He was born into a family with humble backgrounds: his mother, Lucille Murray, worked as a mail-room clerk, while his father, Edward Joseph Murray II, was a lumber salesman. Murray spent his formative years in Wilmette, a suburb in the northern part of Chicago.
Growing up, Murray belonged to an Irish Catholic family, along with his eight siblings. His paternal grandfather hailed from County Cork, and his maternal ancestors traced their roots back to County Galway. Interestingly, three of his siblings, namely John Murray, Joel Murray, and Brian Doyle-Murray, followed in his footsteps and pursued careers in acting. On the other hand, Murray’s sister Nancy chose a different path, becoming an Adrian Dominican nun in Michigan. She has made her mark by traveling across the United States and performing one-woman shows, portraying notable figures such as Catherine of Siena and Dorothy Stang. Unfortunately, Murray’s brother Ed passed away in 2020. Furthermore, their father succumbed to complications of diabetes at the age of 46 when Murray was just 17 years old.
During his youth, Murray found inspiration in the biographies of American heroes, such as Kit Carson, Wild Bill Hickok, and Davy Crockett. He attended St. Joseph’s grade school and later enrolled at Loyola Academy. To support his education at the Jesuit high school, Murray worked as a golf caddy during his teenage years. Additionally, he explored his passion for the arts and performed as the lead singer of a rock band called the Dutch Masters. He also actively participated in high school and community theater. It is worth noting that Murray’s family faced hardships as well, with one of his sisters enduring polio, and his mother experiencing several miscarriages.
After completing his studies at Loyola Academy, Murray ventured to Regis University in Denver, Colorado, where he initially pursued pre-medical courses. However, he decided to discontinue his studies and returned to his home state of Illinois. Several years later, in 2007, Murray received an honorary Doctor of Humanities degree from Regis University, acknowledging his contributions to the entertainment industry.
Career
William James Murray has established himself as a beloved figure in the world of entertainment. With a career spanning decades, Murray has left an indelible mark on both the small and big screens. Let’s delve into the life and accomplishments of this talented actor and comedian.
William James Murray embarked on his journey to stardom with his unique blend of wit and charm. His breakthrough came in the early 1970s when he joined The National Lampoon Radio Hour (1973–1974), showcasing his comedic prowess to a wider audience. This paved the way for his iconic run on Saturday Night Live from 1977 to 1980, where he not only gained immense popularity but also received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
Murray’s talent extended beyond the stage, as he found great success in the world of comedy films. Some of his most notable works include “Meatballs” (1979), “Caddyshack” (1980), “Stripes” (1981), “Ghostbusters” (1984), “Ghostbusters II” (1989), “What About Bob?” (1991), “Groundhog Day” (1993), “Kingpin” (1996), “The Man Who Knew Too Little” (1997), and “Osmosis Jones” (2001). Each of these movies showcased Murray’s ability to bring humor and authenticity to the characters he portrayed.
While Murray is primarily known for his acting prowess, he also stepped into the director’s chair for the 1990 film “Quick Change,” which he co-directed with Howard Franklin. This foray into directing demonstrated his versatility and passion for storytelling, further solidifying his status as a multi-talented entertainer.
One of the standout moments in Murray’s career came with his role in Sofia Coppola’s critically acclaimed film “Lost in Translation” (2003). His performance in the movie earned him a Golden Globe, a British Academy Film Award, and an Oscar nomination for Best Actor. Murray’s ability to seamlessly blend humor and vulnerability in his portrayal captivated both critics and audiences alike.
Throughout his career, Murray has had the pleasure of working with some of the industry’s most renowned directors. Collaborations with Ivan Reitman, Harold Ramis, Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, and Jim Jarmusch have resulted in remarkable films that continue to resonate with viewers. This creative synergy highlights Murray’s versatility as an actor and his ability to seamlessly adapt to different directorial visions.
Murray’s contributions to the entertainment industry have not gone unnoticed. In 2016, he was honored with the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, a testament to his enduring impact and influence. Furthermore, Murray has received multiple Golden Globe nominations for his roles in “Ghostbusters,” “Rushmore” (1998), “Hyde Park on Hudson” (2012), “St. Vincent” (2014), “On the Rocks” (2020), and the HBO miniseries “Olive Kitteridge” (2014). He went on to win his second Primetime Emmy Award for his performance in “Olive Kitteridge.
Murray’s talents extend beyond live-action films. He has lent his voice to beloved characters such as Garfield in the family comedy film “Garfield: The Movie” (2004) and its sequel “Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties” (2006). Additionally, he voiced Clive Badger in Wes Anderson’s “Fantastic Mr. Fox” (2009), brought Baloo to life in Disney’s live-action adaptation of “The Jungle Book” (2016), and portrayed Boss in “Isle of Dogs” (2018). These roles further showcase Murray’s versatility and ability to excel in various mediums.
Murray’s enduring talent has allowed him to remain a prominent figure in the entertainment industry. He recently reprised his iconic role as Peter Venkman in “Ghostbusters: Afterlife” (2021), which delighted fans and critics alike. Additionally, he has joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe as Lord Krylar in the highly anticipated superhero film “Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania” (2023), further cementing his relevance in contemporary cinema.
Marriages and children
While they were shooting the movie Stripes, Murray tied the knot with Margaret Kelly on January 25, 1981—talk about a double whammy! But the lovebirds didn’t stop there. They decided to say “I do” once again in Chicago, this time with their families in tow. Margaret brought two adorable bundles of joy into the world, Homer and Luke. Ah, the sweet symphony of family life.
But alas, not all stories have a fairy tale ending. Murray got himself entangled in an affair with Jennifer Butler, and the cracks in their relationship grew wider and deeper. Eventually, they had no choice but to part ways, and in 1996, they officially divorced. However, fate works in mysterious ways. The following year, Murray and Butler found themselves walking down the aisle together, ready to give love another shot.
Their journey as a couple was blessed with the pitter-patter of little feet—four pairs, to be exact. Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln brought laughter and chaos into their lives. It seemed like a new chapter had begun, filled with joy and adventure.
But as life often does, it took an unexpected turn. On May 12, 2008, Butler filed for divorce, leveling serious accusations against Murray. She accused him of domestic violence, infidelity, and a range of addictions—sex, marijuana, and alcohol. It was a stormy period for them, with emotions running high and tensions soaring.
Finally, on June 13, 2008, their divorce was officially finalized. The gavel struck, sealing their fate. It was the end of an era, a somber moment in their tumultuous love story.
Tragedy struck again when Butler passed away on January 19, 2021. The echoes of their shared history were silenced, leaving behind memories and a bittersweet sense of loss.
Flims
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1976 | Next Stop, Greenwich Village | Nick Kessel | Uncredited |
| 1979 | Meatballs | Tripper Harrison | |
| Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video | Man on the Street | ||
| Tarzoon: Shame of the Jungle | Reporter | Voice; English dub | |
| 1980 | Where the Buffalo Roam | Hunter S. Thompson | |
| Caddyshack | Carl Spackler | ||
| Loose Shoes | Lefty Schwartz | ||
| 1981 | Stripes | Pvt. John Winger | |
| 1982 | Tootsie | Jeff Slater | |
| 1984 | Ghostbusters | Dr. Peter Venkman | |
| Nothing Lasts Forever | Ted Breughel | ||
| B.C. Rock | The Dragon | Uncredited voice (English dub) | |
| The Razor’s Edge | Larry Darrell | Also writer | |
| 1986 | Little Shop of Horrors | Arthur Denton | |
| 1988 | She’s Having a Baby | Himself | Uncredited cameo |
| Scrooged | Francis Xavier “Frank” Cross | ||
| 1989 | Ghostbusters II | Dr. Peter Venkman | |
| 1990 | Quick Change | Grimm | Also co-director and producer |
| 1991 | What About Bob? | Bob Wiley | |
| 1993 | Groundhog Day | Phil Connors | |
| Mad Dog and Glory | Frank Milo | ||
| 1994 | Ed Wood | Bunny Breckinridge | |
| 1996 | Kingpin | Ernie McCracken | |
| Larger than Life | Jack Corcoran | ||
| Space Jam | Himself | ||
| 1997 | The Man Who Knew Too Little | Wallace Ritchie | |
| 1998 | Wild Things | Kenneth Bowden | |
| With Friends Like These… | Maurice Melnick | ||
| Rushmore | Herman Blume | ||
| 1999 | Cradle Will Rock | Tommy Crickshaw | |
| 2000 | Charlie’s Angels | John Bosley | |
| Hamlet | Polonius | ||
| 2001 | Osmosis Jones | Frank Detorre | |
| Speaking of Sex | Ezri Stovall | ||
| The Royal Tenenbaums | Raleigh St. Clair | ||
| 2003 | Lost in Translation | Bob Harris | |
| Coffee and Cigarettes | Himself/Waiter | Segment: “Delirium” | |
| 2004 | Garfield: The Movie | Garfield | Voice |
| The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou | Steve Zissou | ||
| 2005 | Broken Flowers | Don Johnston | |
| The Lost City | The Writer | ||
| 2006 | Garfield: A Tail of Two Kitties | Garfield | Voice |
| 2007 | The Darjeeling Limited | The Businessman | Cameo |
| 2008 | Get Smart | Agent 13 | Cameo |
| City of Ember | Mayor Cole | ||
| 2009 | The Limits of Control | American | |
| Fantastic Mr. Fox | Clive Badger | Voice | |
| Zombieland | Himself | Cameo | |
| 2010 | Get Low | Frank Quinn | |
| 2011 | Passion Play | Happy Shannon | |
| 2012 | Moonrise Kingdom | Mr. Bishop | |
| A Glimpse Inside the Mind of Charles Swan III | Saul | ||
| Hyde Park on Hudson | Franklin D. Roosevelt | [140] | |
| 2014 | The Monuments Men | Sergeant Richard Campbell | |
| The Grand Budapest Hotel | M. Ivan | ||
| St. Vincent | Vincent MacKenna | ||
| Dumb and Dumber To | Ice Pick | Cameo | |
| 2015 | Aloha | Carson Welch | |
| Rock the Kasbah | Richie Lanz | ||
| 2016 | The Jungle Book | Baloo | Voice |
| Ghostbusters | Martin Heiss | ||
| 2018 | Isle of Dogs | Boss | Voice |
| For the Fun of the Game | Himself | Documentary | |
| 2019 | The Dead Don’t Die | Cliff Robertson | |
| Zombieland: Double Tap | Himself | Cameo | |
| 2020 | On the Rocks | Felix Keane | |
| 2021 | The French Dispatch | Arthur Howitzer Jr. | |
| Ghostbusters: Afterlife | Dr. Peter Venkman | ||
| 2022 | The Greatest Beer Run Ever | The Colonel | |
| 2023 | Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania | Lord Krylar |
Television
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1975 | Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell | Various roles | Also writer |
| 1977–80 | Saturday Night Live | Various roles | 72 episodes; also writer |
| 1978 | All You Need Is Cash | Bill Murray the K | Television film |
| 1981–99 | Saturday Night Live | Himself (host) | 5 episodes |
| 1982 | The Rodney Dangerfield Show: It’s Not Easy Bein’ Me | Various roles | TV Special |
| 1982 | Second City Television | Various roles | Episode: “Days of the Week, The/Street Beef” |
| 1983 | Square Pegs | Teacher | Episode: “No Substitutions” |
| 1999 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | Episode: “25th Anniversary Special” |
| 2013–14 | Alpha House | Senator Vernon Smits | 3 episodes |
| 2014 | Olive Kitteridge | Jack Kennison | 2 episodes |
| 2015 | Saturday Night Live | Himself | Episode: “40th Anniversary Special” |
| 2015 | Parks and Recreation | Mayor Gunderson | Episode: “Two Funerals” |
| 2015 | A Very Murray Christmas | Himself | Television special Also writer and executive producer |
| 2016 | Angie Tribeca | Vic Deakins | Episode: “Tribeca’s Day Off” |
| 2016 | Vice Principals | Principal Welles | Episode: “The Principal” |
| 2016 | 17th Mark Twain Prize for American Humor | Himself (honoree) | Television special |
| 2017–18 | Bill Murray & Brian Doyle-Murray’s Extra Innings | Himself (co-host) | 10 episodes |
| 2018 | Saturday Night Live | Steve Bannon | Episode: “Sam Rockwell/Halsey” |
| 2021 | The Now | Dr. Robert Flaherty | 5 episodes |
Net Worth
Bill Murray has a net worth of around $185 Million.