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William James Murray

William James Murray of Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States was born on September 21, 1950 in Evanston, Cook County, IL to Lucille (Collins) Murray and Edward Joseph Murray II. William Murray has siblings John Murray, Joel Murray, Brian Doyle-Murray, Nancy Murray, Andy Murray, Laura Murray, Peggy Murray, and Edward Murray III. He married Margaret Kelly on January 25, 1981 at Las Vegas and they later divorced on January 29, 1994. They had children Homer Murray and Luke Murray. He also married Jennifer Butler on July 4, 1997 and they later divorced on June 13, 2008. They had children Caleb James Murray, Jackson William Murray, Cooper Jones Murray, and Lincoln Darius Murray.

William James Murray
Bill Murray
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Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California United States
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September 21, 1950
Evanston, Cook County, Illinois, United States
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Updated: August 29, 2023
Biography ID: 192788557 What's this
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William James Murray's History: 1950

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  • Introduction

    William James Murray, better known as Bill Murray, is an iconic American actor and comedian whose career has spanned several decades. Born on September 21, 1950, in Wilmette, Illinois, Murray has established himself as one of the most beloved and versatile performers in the entertainment industry. Murray's journey to stardom began in the 1970s when he gained recognition as a cast member on the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live." His offbeat humor, improvisational skills, and irreverent charm endeared him to audiences and made him an instant fan favorite. Murray's memorable characters and comedic timing made him a standout presence on the show. Transitioning from television to film, Murray's career reached new heights in the 1980s. He became a comedic powerhouse with iconic roles in films like "Caddyshack" (1980), "Ghostbusters" (1984), and "Groundhog Day" (1993). His ability to effortlessly blend humor with heartfelt performances made him a sought-after actor, and his on-screen charisma captivated audiences worldwide. Throughout his career, Murray has showcased his range by taking on diverse roles in both comedy and drama. He has collaborated with renowned directors such as Wes Anderson, starring in films like "Rushmore" (1998), "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001), and "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004). Murray's ability to bring depth and complexity to his characters has earned him critical acclaim, as well as nominations for prestigious awards. Beyond his acting prowess, Murray is known for his enigmatic and unconventional personality. He has a reputation for spontaneity and unpredictability, often choosing projects that align with his creative instincts rather than following traditional career trajectories. This distinct approach has made him a beloved figure in popular culture and has solidified his status as a cultural icon. Murray's impact extends beyond his work on-screen. He has cultivated a reputation for his generous and down-to-earth nature, often surprising fans with unexpected acts of kindness. His genuine interactions with fans and his commitment to enjoying life to the fullest have endeared him to generations of admirers.
  • 09/21
    1950

    Birthday

    September 21, 1950
    Birthdate
    Evanston, Cook County, Illinois United States
    Birthplace
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  • Ethnicity & Family History

    Murray's father, Edward Joseph Murray II, was of Irish descent, tracing his family roots to County Cork, Ireland. His mother, Lucille Collins, had Polish and Scottish ancestry. This diverse heritage contributes to Murray's unique cultural identity. In terms of his family history, Murray hails from a working-class background. He grew up in a large family with eight siblings, including his brothers Brian Doyle-Murray, an actor and comedian, and John Murray, an actor and director. Murray's upbringing was shaped by strong family ties and a shared love for entertainment. His siblings also pursued careers in the industry, creating a creative and supportive environment.

  • Nationality & Locations

    Murray was born in Wilmette, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, where he spent his early years. He grew up in the Midwest, surrounded by the vibrant cultural and artistic scene of the city. This region had a lasting impact on his comedic sensibilities and provided a solid foundation for his career. As Murray's fame grew, he found himself residing in different cities due to filming commitments and personal preferences. One notable location in his life has been New York City. Murray embraced the bustling energy and artistic atmosphere of the city, immersing himself in its vibrant theater and comedy scene. New York City became a significant part of his journey, and he continued to maintain connections and work within the entertainment industry there. Murray also had notable connections to Los Angeles, California, a city known as the hub of the film industry. While not a permanent resident, he has spent considerable periods in L.A. due to filming commitments and promotional activities. Los Angeles provided him with opportunities to collaborate with talented filmmakers and further expand his career.

  • Early Life & Education

    Murray graduated from Loyola Academy, a Jesuit high school located in Wilmette, Illinois, where he grew up. During his time at Loyola, Murray developed a reputation for his comedic talents and was known for his playful nature. After completing high school, Murray enrolled at Regis University in Denver, Colorado. However, his time at university was short-lived, as he soon decided to drop out and pursue his dream of becoming a comedian. Murray's desire to explore the world of comedy and entertainment took precedence over formal education. Murray's decision to leave college marked the beginning of his journey into the world of comedy clubs and improvisational theater. He honed his skills on the stages of Chicago's Second City and National Lampoon Radio Hour, immersing himself in the vibrant comedy scene.

  • Religious Beliefs

    Bill Murray's religious beliefs and practices have not been widely discussed or publicly disclosed.

  • Professional Career

    Murray's breakthrough came in the late 1970s when he joined the cast of the sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live" (SNL). His irreverent humor, unique characters, and knack for improvisation quickly made him a fan favorite. Murray's time on SNL allowed him to refine his comedic skills and gain recognition as a standout performer. Transitioning to the big screen, Murray became known for his collaborations with renowned director Ivan Reitman in comedies such as "Meatballs" (1979) and "Stripes" (1981). However, it was his role as the wise-cracking parapsychologist Dr. Peter Venkman in the supernatural comedy blockbuster "Ghostbusters" (1984) that catapulted him to international fame. The film became an iconic cultural phenomenon and established Murray as one of the leading comedic actors of his generation. Murray's career continued to flourish throughout the 1980s and 1990s, with standout performances in films like "Groundhog Day" (1993), "Rushmore" (1998), and "Lost in Translation" (2003), directed by Sofia Coppola. The latter earned him critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination. Known for his ability to seamlessly blend humor and pathos, Murray has proven his versatility as an actor, effortlessly transitioning between comedy and drama. He has collaborated with esteemed directors such as Wes Anderson in films like "The Royal Tenenbaums" (2001), "The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou" (2004), and "Moonrise Kingdom" (2012), showcasing his knack for quirky characters and offbeat humor. Murray's filmography boasts an impressive range of roles, from comedic classics like "Caddyshack" (1980) and "Groundhog Day" to nuanced dramatic performances in films like "Broken Flowers" (2005) and "The Grand Budapest Hotel" (2014). His ability to bring depth, authenticity, and a touch of unpredictability to his characters has made him a beloved and respected actor. Beyond his acting career, Murray has also explored other ventures. He is an avid golfer and has even participated in professional golf tournaments. He has lent his voice to animated films such as "Fantastic Mr. Fox" (2009) and "The Jungle Book" (2016), and has made memorable cameo appearances in various projects, often delighting fans with his unexpected and spontaneous involvement.

  • Personal Life & Family

    Murray has been married twice in his life. He was first married to Margaret Kelly, with whom he has two sons, Homer and Luke. After their divorce, Murray married Jennifer Butler in 1997, and they have four children together: Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln. Unfortunately, Murray's second marriage also ended in divorce in 2008. Despite the media's occasional attempts to delve into his personal affairs, Murray has maintained a guarded approach, rarely sharing details about his romantic relationships or personal endeavors. He has been known to avoid traditional Hollywood trappings and has often been described as eccentric and enigmatic. In recent years, Murray has become renowned for his spontaneous and unconventional behavior, often surprising fans with unexpected acts of kindness. He has been known to crash parties, randomly interact with people in public places, and participate in impromptu performances. These spontaneous gestures have only added to his allure and made him a beloved figure in popular culture. Murray's love for sports, particularly golf, is well-documented. He has even participated in professional golf tournaments and is known for his passion for the game. He is often seen supporting his favorite sports teams, including the Chicago Cubs, and has even been spotted engaging in friendly interactions with fans during sporting events.
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2 Memories, Stories & Photos about William

Margaret Kelly
08/29/2023
Margaret Kelly
Bill ‘s wife
Date & Place: at Hollywood in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California 80129, United States
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Bill Murray
07/05/2023
Bill Murray
Actor “Ghostbusters” (1984)
And Caddyshack (1980).
Date & Place: at Pieter in Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California 80129, United States
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William Murray's Family Tree & Friends

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Friendships

William's Friends

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Other Biographies

Other William Murray Biographies

Murray, William (Born Nov 15, 1967) Murray, William Murray, William Murray, William (Died Mar 2002) Murray, William (Apr 4, 1904 - Dec 26, 1982) Murray, William (1862 - Jul 10, 1937) Murray, William (1862 - 1924) Murray, William (1833 - Apr 1870) Murray., William (1849 - 1927) Murray, William (1819 - 1876)
Murray, William (1903 - Feb 18, 1977) Murray, William (1857 - Jun 29, 1951) Murray, William (Born Mar 10, 1919) Murray, William Murray, William Murray, William (circa 1893 - May 5, 1916) Murray, William (circa 1915 - Jun 27, 1942) Murray, William (circa 1884 - Sep 17, 1917) Murray, William (circa 1890 - Dec 29, 1916) Murray, William (circa 1922 - Jan 27, 1944)

Other Murray Family Biographies

Murray, Henry (Born Dec 29, 1912) Murray, Kathryn  (Born 1850) Murray, Joseph (Born 1870) Murray, Elby (Born Jul 6, 1915) Murray, Rosa (Born 1883) Murray, Carrie (Born Aug 20, 1895) Murray, Helen (Born Apr 18, 1886) Murray, William (Born Aug 26, 1878) Murray, Lula Vella (Born Jun 18, 1927) Murray, Ben (Born Sep 25, 1870)
Murray, John (Born Aug 1827) Murray, Mary (Born Nov 14, 1823) Murray, Elijah (Born Mar 22, 1837) Murray, Lillis (Born Nov 4, 1904) Murray, Timothy (Born Sep 3, 1801) Murray, George (Born Mar 4, 1832) Murray, Nancy (Born Feb 19, 1846) Murray, Melissa (Born circa 1850) Murray, Jonathan (1665 - Aug 27, 1747) Murray, Red
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