Bill Murray
After joining 'Saturday Night Live' in 1977, Murray translated his deadpan persona into film stardom with comedies like 'Caddyshack' and 'Stripes.' His casting as Peter Venkman in 1984's 'Ghostbusters'—the year's top-grossing film—cemented him as one of comedy's defining leading men.
Second City to SNL
William James Murray, born near Chicago in 1950, was the fifth of nine children. He followed his brother into Second City improv before joining 'Saturday Night Live' in 1977, where his shifty deadpan persona thrived.
Comedy's Reluctant Star
Murray built film stardom through 'Meatballs,' 'Caddyshack,' and 'Stripes,' then anchored the blockbuster 'Ghostbusters' in 1984. 'Groundhog Day' (1993) became perhaps his most enduring comedy.
The Dramatic Renaissance
Murray reinvented himself with director Wes Anderson and earned an Oscar nomination for 'Lost in Translation' (2003). He received the Mark Twain Prize in 2016, celebrated as one of comedy's most original voices.
Career Timeline
- 1950Born in Wilmette, Illinois
- 1977Joins 'Saturday Night Live' cast
- 1979Film breakthrough in 'Meatballs'
- 1980Stars in golf comedy 'Caddyshack'
- 1984Plays Peter Venkman in 'Ghostbusters'
- 1988Headlines 'Scrooged'
- 1993Stars in classic 'Groundhog Day'
- 1998Begins collaboration with Wes Anderson on 'Rushmore'
- 2003'Lost in Translation' earns an Oscar nomination
- 2016Receives the Mark Twain Prize for humor
Biggest Hits
- Murray took the Venkman role partly so Columbia would finance his passion project 'The Razor's Edge.'
- He is famous for having no agent, fielding film offers through a personal 1-800 phone line.
Portrait: NBC · Public domain · via Wikimedia Commons