Bill Murray
Actor, comedian, producer
Born
September 21, 1950
Birthplace
Evanston, Illinois, USA
Nationality
American
Net Worth
$180 million (2026 est.)
Known For
Saturday Night Live, Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day (1993), Lost in Translation (2003)
Bill Murray Biography
Quick Facts
| Full Name | William James Murray |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 21, 1950 |
| Age | 75 years (as of 2026) |
| Birthplace | Evanston, Illinois, U.S. |
| Nationality | American |
| Profession | Actor, comedian, producer |
| Years Active | 1973-present |
| Height | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) |
| Spouse | Previously married to Margaret Kelly and Jennifer Butler |
| Children | 6 sons |
| Net Worth | ~$180 million |
| Known For | Saturday Night Live, Caddyshack, Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Lost in Translation |
Early Life & Background
Murray grew up in a large Irish Catholic family in Wilmette, Illinois. His mother was a mail-room clerk, and his father sold lumber. A self-described mischievous student, he performed in school plays and sang in church choirs before discovering improvisational comedy at Chicago's Second City theater in the early 1970s.
Education
He attended Loyola Academy in Wilmette and later enrolled at Regis University in Colorado to study pre-med, but dropped out after being arrested for marijuana possession. Murray returned to Chicago, joined the Second City improv troupe, and sharpened his comedic instincts alongside John Belushi and Harold Ramis.
Career Journey
Early Career
Murray joined the cast of National Lampoon Radio Hour and later replaced Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live in 1977, winning an Emmy for writing. His deadpan delivery and unpredictable stage presence paved the way for film roles.
Rise to Fame
He headlined 1980s hits such as Meatballs, Caddyshack, Stripes, and Ghostbusters, becoming a staple of American comedy. Collaborations with director Ivan Reitman and writer Harold Ramis established Murray as a box-office draw capable of balancing slapstick with sincerity.
Established Career
Murray reinvented himself in the 1990s and 2000s with layered performances in Groundhog Day, Wes Anderson films like Rushmore and The Life Aquatic, and Sofia Coppola's Lost in Translation, which earned him a Golden Globe and BAFTA, plus an Oscar nomination. He continues to mix cameos with voice work in projects such as Isle of Dogs, The French Dispatch, and the Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire sequel. In 2026 he is filming a road-trip dramedy titled Bluegrass Heaven with director Peter Farrelly while remaining a perennial guest at the Pebble Beach Pro-Am.
Complete Filmography
Movies (Selected)
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1979 | Meatballs | Tripper Harrison | First leading film role |
| 1980 | Caddyshack | Carl Spackler | Improvised classic |
| 1984 | Ghostbusters | Dr. Peter Venkman | Global phenomenon |
| 1993 | Groundhog Day | Phil Connors | Time-loop cult favorite |
| 1998 | Rushmore | Herman Blume | Won Independent Spirit Award |
| 2003 | Lost in Translation | Bob Harris | Earned Oscar nomination |
| 2014 | The Grand Budapest Hotel | M. Ivan | Wes Anderson ensemble |
| 2021 | The French Dispatch | Arthur Howitzer Jr. | Anderson anthology |
Awards & Nominations
| Year | Award | Category | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1977 | Primetime Emmy Awards | Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series | Saturday Night Live | Won |
| 1999 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Supporting Actor | Rushmore | Won |
| 2004 | Golden Globe Awards | Best Actor - Musical or Comedy | Lost in Translation | Won |
| 2004 | BAFTA Awards | Best Actor in a Leading Role | Lost in Translation | Won |
| 2004 | Academy Awards | Best Actor | Lost in Translation | Nominated |
| 2016 | Mark Twain Prize for American Humor | Lifetime Achievement | Career | Honored |
Net Worth & Income Sources
Estimated Net Worth: ~$180 million (2026)
Murray earns from decades of film salaries, backend points on franchises like Ghostbusters, voice-acting deals, and savvy investments in golf courses and minor-league baseball teams. He co-owns William Murray Golf apparel, which sells directly to fans online, and maintains property portfolios in New York, Charleston, and Los Angeles.
Personal Life
Murray leads a private lifestyle, often living out of a backpack while traveling for golf tournaments or film shoots. He has six sons from his two marriages and frequently attends their art shows and business openings. Known for spontaneous appearances at strangers' parties, Murray embraces an improvisational approach to life similar to his comedy.
Philanthropy & Community Work
He supports education and performing arts through donations to DePaul University's Theatre School and Charleston nonprofits. Murray regularly participates in charity golf events, raising funds for pediatric hospitals and veterans services, and has quietly funded scholarships at Loyola Academy.
Social Media Presence
Murray does not maintain official social media accounts. Fans follow verified updates through studio announcements, William Murray Golf channels, and appearances on talk shows or sports broadcasts.
Lesser-Known Facts
- Murray reportedly negotiated parts of his career using a secret 1-800 number instead of an agent, forcing directors to pitch directly to him.
- He is part-owner of several minor-league baseball teams, including the Charleston RiverDogs.
- Murray is a licensed saltwater captain and occasionally takes friends on fishing trips off South Carolina.
- He learned to play the theremin for fun and has performed it during charity events.
Latest News & Updates (2026)
Murray filmed scenes for Bluegrass Heaven in Kentucky alongside Laura Dern and is expected to cameo in a new Wes Anderson stop-motion feature scheduled for holiday 2026. He continues touring golf tournaments to promote William Murray Golf's eco-friendly apparel line, with proceeds supporting First Tee youth programs.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Who is Bill Murray?
Bill Murray is an American actor and comedian who rose to fame on Saturday Night Live and has starred in classics ranging from Ghostbusters to Lost in Translation.
What is Bill Murray most famous for?
He is best known for his deadpan comedic style in Caddyshack, Groundhog Day, and Ghostbusters, as well as dramatic turns in films like Lost in Translation and Wes Anderson collaborations.
Is Bill Murray active on social media?
No. Murray avoids social media, so authentic news about his work comes from official press releases or interviews rather than personal accounts.