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Field | Details |
Full Name | William James Murray |
Date of Birth | September 21, 1950 |
Place of Birth | Evanston, Illinois, USA |
Nationality | American |
Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer |
First TV Appearance | Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell (1975) |
Breakout Role | Meatballs (1979) |
Education | Briefly attended Regis University |
Parents | Lucille Murray (mail room clerk), Edward Joseph Murray II (lumber salesman) |
Siblings | Eight siblings, including actor Brian Doyle-Murray |
Marital Status | Divorced |
Children | Six |
Awards | BAFTA, Golden Globe, Primetime Emmy |
Net Worth | Estimated $180 million (2025) |
Notable Films | Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Lost in Translation |
Directorial Work | Quick Change (1990, co-director) |
Known For | Dry wit, deadpan delivery |
Philanthropy | Supports medical and educational charities |
Legal Issues | Past altercations on set and a custody battle |
Fun Fact | Frequently crashes strangers’ events and parties |
Bill Murray was born on September 21, 1950, in Evanston, Illinois, and raised in the suburb of Wilmette in a large Irish Catholic family. He was the fifth of nine children, and early on, he developed a mischievous streak and a knack for performance. After graduating from Loyola Academy, Murray briefly enrolled in Regis University in Denver to study pre-med but soon dropped out.
His path to comedy began with the improv group The Second City in Chicago, which eventually led to his big break on the radio show The National Lampoon Radio Hour alongside John Belushi. His early experiences shaped his comic sensibility, which later became his trademark on Saturday Night Live.
Bill Murray rose to national fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1977 to 1980. His popularity on SNL catapulted him into film, starting with Meatballs (1979) and continuing with hits like Caddyshack (1980), Stripes (1981), and the beloved Ghostbusters (1984). Murray became synonymous with sardonic humor and anti-hero charm.
In 1993, Groundhog Day added philosophical depth to his comedic persona, earning critical acclaim. A major career pivot came with Lost in Translation (2003), directed by Sofia Coppola, where his understated performance earned him a Golden Globe and an Oscar nomination. He continued to collaborate with auteur directors, notably Wes Anderson in films such as The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou, Moonrise Kingdom, and The Grand Budapest Hotel.
Murray’s voice and presence extended to animation and indie films, ensuring his continued relevance and admiration across generations. He remains a Hollywood icon known for his unpredictable behavior and selective project choices.
Bill Murray has had a complex personal life. He married Margaret Kelly in 1981, and the couple had two sons before divorcing in 1996. That same year, he married Jennifer Butler, a costume designer, with whom he had four sons. The marriage ended in divorce in 2008, with Butler citing domestic abuse and addiction-related issues.
Despite his fame, Murray remains intensely private. He avoids Hollywood parties and rarely participates in traditional media promotions. Known for disappearing for weeks or showing up uninvited at public events, his quirky lifestyle has become part of his legend. His relationship with his children is largely kept out of the spotlight, though they occasionally appear at public events with him.
Although Murray has not faced serious legal convictions, his career has not been free of controversy. He’s had widely publicized altercations with co-stars and directors, including Richard Dreyfuss (What About Bob?) and Lucy Liu (Charlie’s Angels). These clashes have occasionally damaged professional relationships but haven’t derailed his career.
In his personal life, the 2008 divorce from Jennifer Butler involved allegations of domestic violence, infidelity, and substance use. The settlement was substantial but did not publicly disclose all financial terms. In addition, Murray has been accused of being difficult on set, leading to a few stalled projects or severed collaborations.
As of 2025, Bill Murray’s net worth is estimated at $180 million. His wealth primarily stems from his long-standing film career, royalties from blockbuster franchises like Ghostbusters, and backend deals from films that became cult classics.
He also earns income through commercial work, real estate investments, and business ventures. Murray co-owns several restaurants and is part-owner of the minor league baseball team Charleston RiverDogs. He lives modestly compared to other stars and is known for driving himself around in older model cars.
Category | Details |
Full Name | William James Murray |
Birthplace | Evanston, Illinois, USA |
Profession | Actor, Comedian, Producer |
Breakout Role | Meatballs (1979) |
Notable Film | Lost in Translation (2003) |
Television | Saturday Night Live |
Awards | Golden Globe, BAFTA, Emmy |
Legal Issues | On-set altercations, divorce settlement |
Relationship Status | Divorced |
Net Worth | Estimated $180 million |
Bill Murray’s life is a tapestry woven with humor, depth, unpredictability, and resilience. From his roots in Illinois to the heights of Hollywood stardom, he has become a cultural icon, known not just for his unforgettable roles but for his singular way of engaging with the world. While his personal life has seen its share of turbulence, his influence on film and comedy is profound and enduring. Murray’s career is a testament to the power of reinvention and authenticity.
5. Is Bill Murray still active in acting?
Yes, Bill Murray continues to act in both major films and independent projects, frequently collaborating with directors like Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola.
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