Bill Murray biography
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[h3]Murray’s Irish Catholic parents, Lucille and Edward (a lumbar salesman and keen golfer), had nine children. Bill is the fifth child and his siblings are Brian Doyle-Murray, Nancy, Edward, Andy, John Murray, Joel Murray, Peggy, and Laura. He worked as a golf caddy, to pay his tuition to Loyola Academy, a Jesuit school in his hometown. There he played sports and did some acting but was more fond of entertaining his peers than concentrating on the lessons. [/h3]

This sort of behaviour got him thrown out of both Boy Scouts and Little League, and wasn’t well-received at school. One of his teachers described Murray as “brilliant but a terrible student”. He was, however, a voracious reader until about the age of fourteen, devouring books of all kinds.

The Murray household was a busy place and not always easy for so many children competing for their parents’ attention. Murray has commented, “Our house was a wreck, a constant claustrophobic mess”, but they always managed to find the time to laugh with one another.

After school, he moved to Denver where he had enrolled at Regis College, to study pre-med, but dropped out in his sophomore year, after being arrested for the possession of cannabis. In 1973, Murray followed older brother Brian into Chicago’s Second City troupe, as a stand-up comedian. Brian was the first in the family to take up professional comedy. Adding his grandmother’s maiden name to the family name, he became Brian Doyle-Murray, a successful actor and comedian. It was he who provided many of Murray’s first breakthroughs into the often-tough world of comedy. Whilst with Second City, Murray was taken under the wing of John Belushi, who helped him polish his act.

Having worked a while in Chicago, both Murray brothers and John Belushi moved, with some of the Second City cast, to New York to be part of the National Lampoon Radio Hour team. They were joined by the likes of [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/964:0/Dan_Aykroyd.htm]Dan Aykroyd[/urlnew] and [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/787:0/Gilda_Radner.htm]Gilda Radner[/urlnew], who along with John Belushi, became the original members of “Saturday Night Live” (1975). “SNL” was an edgy new NBC show, showcasing the cream of comedians, but Murray was not to be selected. Instead, a little later that year, he joined ABC’s “Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell” (1975). Sadly, this show was doomed, folding after only one season. Following its failure, Murray was finally given the opportunity to join “Saturday Night Live” in its second season.
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Things were going well and in 1977, the SNL cast and writers shared an Emmy award. Murray went from strength to strength and even had a tempestuous affair with Gilda Radner, whilst playing alongside her as a comedy duo. However, in May 1980, Murray decided to leave SNL and turn his attention more fully to Hollywood.

He had already made a few forays into movies. His voice was used in the English dub of “Tarzoon, la Honte de la Jungle” (1975), a French/Belgian animated spoof of Tarzan films. The English version released in America was called “Shame of the Jungle” (1975). He made a brief appearance in “Next Stop, Greenwich Village” (1976), for which he was uncredited. In 1978, he had appeared in the television show “The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash”.

However, it was his role as Tripper Harrison, an unorthodox summer camp counsellor in Canadian-made “Meatballs” (1979) that was Murray’s big box-office break. The movie was directed by Ivan Rietman, and Murray has collaborated with him a number of times since. They worked together on “Caddyshack” (1980), a golfing country club farce, which set Murray firmly in the minds of the viewing public. In fact, Murray’s part had originally been much smaller but, with all his excellent ad-libbing, it was rethought, and the gopher scenes filmed and inserted after the movie was completed. Murray and Rietman then worked together with Harold Ramis on “Stripes” (1981), an armed forces comedy, well loved by the public. Murray had reached the Hollywood Big League.

He added to his happiness by marrying Margaret ‘Mickey’ Kelly on 24th January 1981. She was the first female page at NBC, working behind the scenes with Johnny Carson and Dick Cavett. Mickey opened a furniture shop after marrying Murray. [They had two sons, Homer, born 1982, and Luke, born 1985.]

The following year, Murray had a supporting role opposite [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/44:0/Dustin_Hoffman.htm]Dustin Hoffman[/urlnew] in “Tootsie” (1982). Up to his old tricks, he reportedly improvised his way through this movie, which also starred [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/136:0/Jessica_Phyllis_Lange.htm]Jessica Lange[/urlnew] (she received an Oscar) and Geena Davis (this was her screen debut). Murray was so well known by this time that he agreed to have his name removed from the opening credits, to prevent people expecting a typical ‘Bill Murray-style’ comedy.
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Rietman, Ramis and Murray teamed up once again, were joined by Dan Ackroyd, this time for “Ghostbusters” (1984), the most expensive comedy ever made. A story about three parapsychology researchers, who make their office in a New York firehouse, and set about ridding their clients of poltergeists and ghouls. The public’s response was sensational, the movie grossed over $220 million, and Murray was nominated for a Golden Globe Award.

Following this, Murray turned his hand to more serious content, co-writing and starring in “The Razor’s Edge” (1984), a pet project of his, which the critics hated and the public avoided. Disappointed and disillusioned, Murray took off to Paris with his family. It was the start of a deep depression that would last four years and cause him to withdraw from films, from his wife, and from life itself. During this bleak period, he managed to play a delightful cameo role, as a masochistic dental patient, in “Little Shop of Horrors” (1986).

The Christmas hit “Scrooged” (1988), a re-write of ‘A Christmas Carol’, saw Murray back with a vengeance, playing arrogant and ferocious TV boss, Frank Cross. It was on this set that he met Jennifer Butler, who worked as a costumer. They happened to work together on the next few films and formed a close relationship. A year later, Murray was finally persuaded to reunite with Ramis and Rietman for “Ghostbusters II” (1989), set five years after the original story, and another resounding box-office success.

Murray made his directorial debut with “Quick Change” (1990), which he also co-wrote. He starred alongside Geena Davis and Randy Quaid, his accomplices in this hilarious comedy about a city planner who plots a bank heist. “What About Bob?” (1991) had Murray as obsessive-compulsive patient of an annoying psychiatrist, played by [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/378:0/Richard_Dreyfuss.htm]Richard Dreyfuss[/urlnew]. Two years later, another hit with “Groundhog Day” (1993), and Murray a cocky TV weatherman, reliving the same day over and over again, opposite Andy MacDowell.

Once more, a change to a serious role for Murray, this time as a gangster, who longs to be a stand-up comic, in “Mad Dog and Glory” (1993), with [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/5:0/Robert_De_Niro.htm]Robert De Niro[/urlnew] and [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/882:0/Uma_Thurman.htm]Uma Thurman[/urlnew]. He was a camp queen in the bio-pic “Ed Wood” (1994) about the fringe filmmaker Ed Wood Junior. Sadly, 1994 was also the year he and Mickey divorced.
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In “Kingpin” (1996), Murray’s role was a bowling hustler, with Woody Harrelson. The movie went on to achieve cult classic status. Unfortunately his next two movies, “Larger Than Life” (1996) and “The Man Who Knew Too Little” (1997), were weak and well below the usual Murray standard. In 1997, he married Jennifer Butler, with whom he already had three sons: Jackson (born 1993), Cal (born 1995), and Cooper (born 1996). [They now have had a fourth son, Lincoln (born 2001)].

Murray’s role as sleazy lawyer in “Wild Things” (1998), with Neve Campbell and Denise Richards, was simply wonderful. Then he played a brilliant cameo as a freeloading producer in “With Friends Like These” (1998). “Rushmore” (1998) followed, bringing Murray well-deserved acclaim for his portrayal of Herman Blume, a childish and vindictive steel tycoon. Hollywood had truly accepted Murray as worth his salt and he received Awards for Best Supporting Actor from: New York Film Critics Circle, National Society of Film Critics, Los Angeles Film Critics Association, and Independent Spirit Awards. He was also nominated for a Golden Globe Award (his second time).

Murray began to work on smaller productions and things with a slightly more ‘indie’ flavour. Following a small part as alcoholic ventriloquist in “Cradle Will Rock” (1999), and “Scout’s Honour” (1999), Murray played Polonius, his first classical role, in “Hamlet” (2000/1). Then he was Bosley in ““Charlie’s Angels” (2000) and Frank in “Osmosis Jones” (2001). “The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001) saw Murray working with the likes of [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/515:0/Gene_Hackman.htm]Gene Hackman[/urlnew], Angelica Huston, [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/10:0/Ben_Stiller.htm]Ben Stiller[/urlnew] and [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/558:0/Gwyneth_Paltrow.htm]Gwyneth Paltrow[/urlnew]. He played another cameo role, as a defence attourney, in the lame farce “Speaking of Sex” (2001).

In a brief return to the stage, Murray starred with Sigourney Weaver in an off-off-Broadway production called “The Guys” (2001), in which he played a fire captain who lost eight of his men in 9/11. He then appeared with rap crew Wu-Tang Clan in “Coffee and Cigarettes” (2003).

Sofia’ Coppola’s “Lost in Translation” (2003) brought Murray huge credit for his insightful role as a jaded movie star in Tokyo, Bob Harris, opposite [urlnew=http://www.thebiographychannel.co.uk/biography_home/1660:0/Scarlett_Johansson.htm]Scarlett Johansson[/urlnew]. He won a BAFTA and a Golden Globe for Best Actor. It seemed Murray could not out a foot wrong. His next project was to provide the voice of Garfield in “Garfield: The Movie” (2004), followed by “The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” (2004) and “Broken Flowers” (2005).

All this back-to-back movie making has exhausted Murray and he has announced (2005) that after his next three productions, he will be taking a break from acting. Who can blame the man? After so many years of hard work and ups and downs, he certainly deserves a rest. Fans will be eager to have him back on the big screen, and with his inimitable drive, bubbling humour, and acerbic wit, it surely won’t be long before he does so again.

Carey Latimore
Bill Murray biography



- Broke Robert De Niro’s nose (by accident) during the filming of “Mad Dog and Glory” (1993).

- Is 6’1”, his middle name is James, and his nickname is Billy.

- His current home is in upstate New York although his is frequently working elsewhere throughout the year.

- Appeared in “Scrooged” (1988) with all three of his brothers.

- His sister Nancy is a Dominican nun.

- His father, Edward, died in 1967. His mother, Lucille, died in 1988.

- Has become the unofficial patron saint of the forums of the Football Manager website, home to one of the biggest selling PC games of all time.

- He has no publicist, no business manager, no lawyer, no agent, no favourite make-up nor hair artist, and travels with no entourage.

- Received the Sons of the Desert Annual Comedy Performer Award on 19 April 1997.

- Often works with the directors Harold Ramis, Wes Anderson, Jim Jarmusch and Ivan Reitman.

- Brother Brian has starred in a number of films with Murray, including “Caddyshack” (1980), “Razor’s Edge” (1984), and “Groundhog Day” (1993).

- Was bitten twice by the groundhog on the set of “Groundhog Day” (1993).

- His role in “Ghostbusters” (1984) was originally offered to John Belushi.

- Was considered for the role of Detective John Kimble in “Kindergarten Cop” (1990), which eventually went to Arnold Schwarzenegger.

- He is an avid golfer and has played in many pro-am golf tournaments.

- He has a tendency to rewrite scripts and ad-lib his way through scenes, until many barely resemble the original. This has often caused problems with his collaborators, although, in the end, they usually find it is to the film’s benefit.

- “Oklahoma!” is his favourite musical.

- Was rated number one in American TV show “Mouthing Off: 51 Greatest Smartasses”.

- Has twice been nominated for a Golden Globe Award: for “Ghostbusters” (1984) and “Rushmore” (1998).

- Is co-owner, with his brothers, Brian, John and Joel, of the Murray Brothers Caddyshack restaurant inside the ‘World Golf Village’ complex in St Augustine, Florida.

- The part of Boon in “National Lampoon’s Animal House” (1978) was originally written for him but he had to turn it down due to scheduling conflicts.

- A diehard Chicago Cubs fan, he was to be on location in Italy for the Cubs playoff run in 2003. He had it written into his contract that he’d receive a satellite feed of the playoffs.

- The lead role in “Lost in Translation” (2003), was written by Sofia Coppola with Murray specifically in mind. She did not know the actor and turned to her father, Francis Ford Coppola, to track down the elusive Murray. He read the script and agreed immediately to play the role of Bob Harris. Since then, Sofia and Murray have become good friends.
Bill Murray biography



“The Lost City” (2005)

“Broken Flowers” (2005)

“The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou” (2004)

“Garfield: The Movie” (2004) (voice: Garfield)

“Coffee and Cigarettes” (2003)

“Lost in Translation” (2003)

“The Royal Tenenbaums” (2001)

“Osmosis Jones” (2001)

“Speaking of Sex” (2001)

“Charlie’s Angels” (2000)

“Hamlet” (2000/1)

“Scout’s Honour” (1999)

“Cradle Will Rock” (1999)

“Rushmore” (1998)

“With Friends Like These” (1998)

“Wild Things” (1998)

“Stories from My Childhood” (1998) (TV series) (voice: Geppeto)

“The Man Who Knew Too Little” (1997)

“Larger Than Life” (1996)

“Kingpin” (1996)

“Ed Wood” (1994)

“Mad Dog and Glory” (1993)

“Groundhog Day (1993)

“What About Bob?” (1991)

“Quick Change” (1990)

“Ghost Busters II” (1989)

“Scrooged” (1988)

“Little Shop of Horrors” (1986)

“The Razor’s Edge” (1984)

“Nothing Lasts Forever” (1984)

“Ghost Busters” (1984)

“Tootsie” (1982)

“Stripes” (1981)

“Loose Shoes” (1980)

“Caddyshack” (1980)

“Le Chainon Manquant” (1980) (voice: Dragon, in English dub)
(uncredited)

“Where the Buffalo Roam” (1980)

“Mr. Mike’s Mondo Video” (1979)

“Meatballs” (1979)

“The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash” (1978) (TV)

“Saturday Night Live” (1975) (TV series) (various writing for series:
1977-1980)

“Next Stop, Greenwich Village” (1976) (uncredited)

“Tarzoon, la Honte de la Jungle” (1975) (voice)
Bill Murray biography

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