Bill Murray Biography William James Murray, born on September 21, 1950, is an acclaimed American actor and comedian, recognized for his distinctive deadpan delivery across a variety of roles, from mainstream comedies to independent dramas. Murray rose to national fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1977 to 1980, earning a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series. He solidified his stardom with a series of hit comedy films, including Meatballs (1979), Caddyshack (1980), Stripes (1981), Ghostbusters (1984), Ghostbusters II (1989), What About Bob? (1991), and Groundhog Day (1993). He also appeared in supporting roles in Tootsie (1982), Little Shop of Horrors (1986), Ed Wood (1994), Kingpin (1996), and Osmosis Jones (2001).
Bill Murray Biography 2025
William James Murray is an American actor and comedian, known for his deadpan delivery in roles ranging from studio comedies to independent dramas. Murray became a national presence on Saturday Night Live from 1977 to 1980, where he received a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series.
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Born: 21 September 1950 (age 74 years), Evanston, Illinois, United States
Spouse: Jennifer Butler (m. 1997–2008), Margaret Kelly (m. 1981–1996)
Children: Luke Murray, Cal Murray, Cooper Murray, Jackson Murray, Lincoln Murray, Homer Murray
Height: 1.87 m
Siblings: John Murray, Joel Murray, Brian Doyle-Murray · See more
Born in Evanston, Illinois, Murray was raised in an Irish Catholic family with eight siblings. His mother, Lucille, worked as a mailroom clerk, while his father, Edward J. Murray, was a lumber salesman. Murray attended a Jesuit school in Wilmette, Illinois. Murray’s paternal grandfather was from County Cork, and his maternal ancestors hailed from County Galway. Three of his siblings—John, Joel, and Brian Doyle-Murray—are also actors. His sister Nancy is an Adrian Dominican nun who has performed one-woman shows about Catherine of Siena and Dorothy Stang.
Bill Murray Childhood And Struggles
Tragically, their father passed away in 1967 from diabetes complications when Bill was just 17. As a child, Murray enjoyed reading biographies of American heroes like Kit Carson and Davy Crockett. He attended St. Joseph’s grade school and Loyola Academy, where he worked as a golf caddy to support his education. During high school, he was the lead singer of a rock band called the Dutch Masters and participated in community theater.
Bill Murray began his comedy career at the renowned Second City in Chicago. In 1974, he moved to New York City, where John Belushi recruited him for The National Lampoon Radio Hour. This led to his television debut on an Off-Broadway version of the show, and subsequently, he joined the cast of NBC’s Saturday Night Live from 1977 to 1980. His tenure on SNL established him as a fresh voice in comedy.
Murray landed his first leading film role in 1979 with Meatballs, followed by a significant collaboration with writer-director Harold Ramis in Caddyshack (1980). His success continued with Ghostbusters (1984), which became the highest-grossing film of that year and the highest-grossing comedy of all time, solidifying his place in comedy history. Starting in the late ’90s, he adeptly transitioned to dramatic roles, showcasing his versatility as an actor.
As of 2025, Bill Murray’s net worth is estimated at $180 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth. This wealth has accumulated over decades in the entertainment industry, encompassing his work as a comedian, actor, screenwriter, TV producer, entrepreneur, singer, and voice actor.
Earnings from Iconic Films
While the exact figure for Murray’s salary in Caddyshack isn’t confirmed, it’s reported that he earned $250,000 per week for the 11-week shoot, totaling approximately $2.75 million. During pre-production, the lead actors, including Murray, negotiated to split 30% of the film’s gross revenue, which amounted to around $75 million per person when the film became a box-office hit. For his cameo in 2021’s Ghostbusters: Afterlife, Murray reportedly earned $300,000.
While his exact salary for this upcoming installment remains unknown, it’s speculated he was compensated similarly to Aykroyd, likely between $250,000 and $300,000. Though details about his salary for the 1996 film remain under wraps, it’s believed he may have accepted a lower amount due to his friendship with producer Ivan Reitman. While his salary for this Marvel film hasn’t been disclosed, it’s likely he earned in the single-digit millions.
fter appearing in a 2020 Super Bowl ad for Jeep, Murray indicated that while he enjoyed the experience, it would also be his last commercial, suggesting he was compensated in the single-digit millions for the gig. Bill Murray’s career continues to thrive, demonstrating his enduring appeal and talent in the entertainment industry.
Conclusion
Bill Murray, born on September 21, 1950, is an acclaimed American actor and comedian, renowned for his deadpan delivery in both comedies and dramas. He gained fame on Saturday Night Live and starred in iconic films like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation, earning numerous awards throughout his career. Murray’s collaborations with directors like Wes Anderson and Sofia Coppola have solidified his status as a versatile and beloved figure in cinema.