Full Name	Date of Birth	Birthplace	Bill Murray Net Worth	Nationality
William James Murray	September 21, 1950	Evanston, Illinois, USA	$180 Million (2026)	American

Imagine staring into the abyss after a brutal Chicago night, ready to end it all until a single painting at the Art Institute stops you dead: a woman facing dawn with unbreakable resolve. “You don’t have to kill yourself,” it seemed to say. That moment saved Bill Murray and shaped his wild, unforgettable life. At 75 in 2026, the comedy legend who defies every Hollywood rule is still surprising us.

Quick Facts at a Glance

Category	Detail
Birth Name	William James Murray
Born	September 21, 1950
Birthplace	Evanston, Illinois, USA
Raised in	Wilmette, Illinois
Height	6 ft 2 in (188 cm)
Religion	Irish  Catholic (non  practicing)
Political Affiliation	Registered Democrat
Net Worth (2026)	$180 Million
Profession	Actor, Comedian, Writer, Producer
Active Years	1970s – Present
Famous For	Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, Lost in Translation
SNL Seasons	1977–1980

Early Life & Family Background

Bill Murray was not born into show business  he was born into chaos, laughter, and a very large family. Understanding his roots is essential to understanding the man he became.

Family & Childhood

William James Murray was born on September 21, 1950, in Evanston, Illinois. He was the fifth of nine children in a tight  knit Irish  Catholic family. His father, Edward Joseph Murray II, worked as a lumber salesman, while his mother Lucille managed the household.

The family settled in Wilmette, a quiet northern suburb of Chicago. Growing up in such a large household meant that humor was currency  it was the fastest way to get attention, and young Bill used it well.

Siblings in Entertainment

Three of Bill’s siblings also pursued entertainment careers:

• Brian Doyle  Murray  actor and co  writer of Caddyshack

• Joel Murray  actor known for TV and film roles

• John Murray  actor and comedian

School Days & Early Interests

During his teenage years, Bill attended St. Joseph’s Grade School and then Loyola Academy, a Jesuit high school. To fund his education there, he worked as a golf caddy, a job that would later inspire some of his most beloved on  screen moments.

Beyond academics, Murray was active in theater and even served as lead singer of a rock band called the Dutch Masters. His love of performance was evident early on.

Trouble with the Law

After high school, Murray enrolled in Regis University in Denver, Colorado, intending to study pre  medicine. He quickly dropped out and returned to Illinois  and things took a dramatic turn on his 20th birthday.

On September 21, 1970  his birthday, police arrested Murray at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport after discovering 10 pounds of cannabis he allegedly intended to sell. He was convicted but received probation rather than jail time. In 2007, Regis University honored him with a Doctor of Humanities degree, recognizing the remarkable path he had taken since those early missteps.

Acting Career: From Comedy Clubs to Hollywood Royalty

The Chicago Comedy Roots (Early 1970s)

After his legal troubles, Murray’s older brother Brian invited him to join The Second City, Chicago’s legendary improv comedy institution. This decision changed everything. Murray threw himself into the craft of comedy  timing, character, and the art of making audiences uncomfortable in the best possible way.

National Lampoon & New York (1973–1976)

In 1973, Murray began performing on The National Lampoon Radio Hour alongside future comedy greats like John Belushi and Chevy Chase. He relocated to New York City in 1974 at Belushi’s invitation. An off  Broadway version of the Lampoon show led to his television debut on ABC’s Saturday Night Live with Howard Cosell in 1975  a show that lasted only one season but opened critical doors.

Saturday Night Live (1977–1980)

Murray joined the newly  renamed NBC show Saturday Night Live in 1977, stepping in to fill the vacancy left by Chevy Chase’s departure. Over three seasons, he became one of the show’s standout performers, famous for his character ‘Nick the Lounge Singer’ and Weekend Update segments. His SNL run earned him a Primetime Emmy Award.

SNL Years	Key Characters	Achievement
1977–1980	Nick the Lounge Singer	Emmy Award Winner
1977–1980	Weekend Update Co  Anchor	National Recognition
2025	50th Anniversary Special Return	Ranked Favorite Anchors

Hollywood Breakthrough: The 1980s

SNL fame gave Murray the launchpad he needed. His film career exploded through a series of iconic comedies that defined the decade:

Year	Film	Role	Box Office
1979	Meatballs	Tripper Harrison	$43 Million
1980	Caddyshack	Carl Spackler	Cult Classic
1981	Stripes	John Winger	$85 Million
1982	Tootsie	Jeff Slater	$177 Million
1984	Ghostbusters	Peter Venkman	$295 Million (Highest Grossing Comedy of Year)
1986	Little Shop of Horrors	Dental Patient	Fan Favorite Cameo
1988	Scrooged	Frank Cross	$60 Million

The Ghostbusters deal was particularly lucrative. Murray, Dan Aykroyd, Harold Ramis, and director Ivan Reitman negotiated a 30% share of gross revenues from box office, home video, and network licensing  turning a $500,000 upfront salary into a multi  million dollar backend goldmine.

The 1990s: Artistic Evolution

Murray’s career in the ’90s showed unexpected range. He took on directing with Quick Change (1990), served as both director and star. He followed this with two of the most celebrated comedies in film history:

• What About Bob? (1991)  earned $8 million salary

• Groundhog Day (1993)  earned $10 million salary; widely considered one of his greatest performances

• Rushmore (1998)  his collaboration with Wes Anderson that earned him the Independent Spirit Award for Best Supporting Actor and opened the door to dramatic roles

 The 2000s: Dramatic Renaissance

The early 2000s saw Murray reinvent himself as a serious dramatic actor, earning critical acclaim that rivaled his comedic success:

Year	Film	Award/Nomination
2003	Lost in Translation	Academy Award Nomination, Golden Globe Win, BAFTA Best Actor
2004	The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou	Wes Anderson collaboration
2005	Broken Flowers	Cannes Film Festival  Un Certain Regard
2009	Zombieland	Memorable cameo as himself
2012	Hyde Park on Hudson	Golden Globe Nomination  President Roosevelt
2014	The Grand Budapest Hotel	BAFTA and ensemble acclaim

Most Famous Films of Bill Murray

Ghostbusters (1984)

Perhaps the most iconic film of Murray’s career, Ghostbusters redefined the summer blockbuster. As Peter Venkman, Murray’s sardonic wit and effortless charm anchored the entire film. It grossed $295 million worldwide and became the highest  grossing comedy of the year  and one of the most beloved films ever made.

Groundhog Day (1993)

Often cited by critics as Murray’s finest performance, Groundhog Day tells the story of a cynical TV weatherman stuck reliving the same day in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania. The film has transcended comedy to become a philosophical classic, referenced in academic discussions about meaning, Buddhism, and self  improvement. Roger Ebert called it one of the best films ever made.

Lost in Translation (2003)

Directed by Sofia Coppola, Lost in Translation was the turning point that cemented Murray’s status as a dramatic actor of the highest order. His portrayal of fading movie star Bob Harris earned him an Academy Award nomination, a Golden Globe, and a BAFTA Award for Best Actor. It also sparked a legendary friendship with Scarlett Johansson.

Caddyshack (1980)

Though it initially performed modestly at the box office, Caddyshack quickly became one of the greatest cult comedies of all time. Murray’s groundskeeper Carl Spackler, speaking to an imaginary crowd as he dismantles a gopher’s home, is one of cinema’s most beloved improvisational performances.

Scrooged (1988)

A modern retelling of A Christmas Carol, Scrooged allowed Murray to blend his trademark sarcasm with genuine emotional depth. His three brothers also appeared in the film, making it a unique Murray family production.

Film	Year	Genre	Why It Matters
Ghostbusters	1984	Comedy/Supernatural	Highest  grossing comedy of the year
Groundhog Day	1993	Comedy/Philosophy	Philosophical masterpiece; cultural phenomenon
Lost in Translation	2003	Drama/Romance	Academy Award nomination; reinvented his career
Caddyshack	1980	Comedy	Greatest golf comedy ever made
Rushmore	1998	Comedy/Drama	Started legendary Wes Anderson partnership
The Grand Budapest Hotel	2014	Comedy/Drama	BAFTA ensemble nomination
Scrooged	1988	Comedy/Christmas	Beloved holiday classic
Zombieland	2009	Horror/Comedy	Most legendary cameo in film history

Personal Life

Marriages

Bill Murray has been married twice:

Wife	Marriage Year	Divorce Year	Children Together
Margaret Kelly	1981	1996	2 sons: Homer & Luke
Jennifer Butler	1997	2008	4 sons: Cal, Jackson, Cooper, Lincoln

Children

Murray has six sons in total from his two marriages:

• Homer Murray

• Luke Murray

• Jackson William Murray

• Cooper Murray

• Lincoln Murray

• Cal Murray

 Personality & Public Mystique

Bill Murray is as famous for his off  screen persona as he is for his films. He has no agent, no manager, and no official social media. He allegedly communicates with filmmakers through a personal voicemail box that he checks rarely, sometimes not returning calls for months.

This has resulted in legendary stories of Murray appearing at strangers’ parties, doing their dishes, crashing college students’ apartment dinners, or randomly showing up at karaoke bars to sing. He is both deeply private and gloriously spontaneous.

Film critic Roger Ebert described the Murray persona brilliantly, noting that his characters are often smarter than those around them, carry a detached melancholy, are suspicious of joy, and yet conceal deep emotional needs. Theatre scholar Octavian Saiu praised his unique ability to not just perform but to bring out the best in those around him.

Controversies

Murray’s career has not been without controversy:

• In April 2022, production of the film Being Mortal was suspended following accusations of inappropriate behavior toward a female crew member, who received a private settlement of $100,000.

• In 2025, Murray addressed the incident publicly, acknowledging his error and expressing that he thinks about the situation regularly.

• Murray has also been known for clashes with directors and co-stars throughout his career, most famously a years-long falling out with collaborator Harold Ramis, which was reconciled shortly before Ramis’s death in 2014.

Bill Murray Net Worth & Business Ventures

As of 2026, Bill Murray Net Worth is around $180 million.

Net Worth Overview

Year	Estimated Net Worth
2020	$140 Million
2022	$160 Million
2024	$175 Million
2026	$180 Million

Major Salary Highlights

Film	Salary / Earnings
Ghostbusters (1984)	$500K upfront + 30% gross revenue share
What About Bob? (1991)	$8 Million
Groundhog Day (1993)	$10 Million
Lost in Translation (2003)	~$5 Million + backend
The Grand Budapest Hotel (2014)	Undisclosed

Business Ventures

• William Murray Golf (2016)  A quirky golf apparel brand co-founded with his brothers, inspired by Caddyshack. Highly successful with a devoted fanbase.

• Murray Bros. Caddyshack Restaurant  Two locations: one near St. Augustine, Florida (opened 2001) and one near O’Hare Airport in Chicago (opened 2018).

• St. Paul Saints Baseball Team  Murray was a founding partner of this minor league team. He occasionally appeared at games and was involved in marketing. He sold his interest in 2023.

• Real Estate  Includes a 42  acre estate in Martha’s Vineyard valued at approximately $21.5 million.

• Murray Bros. Caddyshack Charity Golf Tournament  Raises millions annually for children’s causes including St. Vincent’s and Augie’s Quest.

 The Wes Anderson Partnership

One of the most celebrated creative partnerships in modern cinema is between Bill Murray and director Wes Anderson. Murray has appeared in at least ten Anderson films, making him arguably the director’s most important muse.

Year	Film	Murray’s Role
1998	Rushmore	Herman Blume
2001	The Royal Tenenbaums	Raleigh St. Clair
2004	The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou	Steve Zissou (Lead)
2007	The Darjeeling Limited	Uncredited cameo
2009	Fantastic Mr. Fox	Voice of Badger
2012	Moonrise Kingdom	Walt Bishop
2014	The Grand Budapest Hotel	M. Ivan Desgoffe  und  Taxis
2018	Isle of Dogs	Voice of Boss
2021	The French Dispatch	Arthur Howitzer Jr.
2025	The Phoenician Scheme	Supporting Role

Awards & Recognition

Award	Year	For
Primetime Emmy Award	1977	Saturday Night Live
Independent Spirit Award – Best Supporting Actor	1999	Rushmore
Golden Globe – Best Actor (Comedy/Musical)	2004	Lost in Translation
BAFTA – Best Actor in a Leading Role	2004	Lost in Translation
Academy Award Nomination – Best Actor	2004	Lost in Translation
Golden Globe Nomination – Best Actor (Drama)	2013	Hyde Park on Hudson
Mark Twain Prize for American Humor	2016	Lifetime Achievement
BAFTA Ensemble Nomination	2015	The Grand Budapest Hotel

Recent Work (2021–2026)

• Ghostbusters: Afterlife (2021)  Reprised the role of Peter Venkman alongside original cast members.

• Ant  Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2022)  Joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

• The Greatest Beer Run Ever (2022)  Biographical war comedy alongside Zac Efron, debuted at Toronto International Film Festival.

• The Friend (2024)  Comedy opposite Naomi Watts; premiered at Telluride Film Festival.

• The Phoenician Scheme (2025)  Tenth collaboration with Wes Anderson.

• SNL 50th Anniversary Special (2025)  Returned to rank his favorite Weekend Update anchors.

• Diamond (upcoming)  Comedy with Brendan Fraser, directed by Andy Garcia.

 Legacy & Cultural Impact

Bill Murray occupies a unique space in American culture. He is simultaneously a comedy legend, a dramatic heavyweight, a philosophical figure, and a living folk hero. Stories about random Murray encounters  at a stranger’s party, at a bar, on a golf course  have become almost mythological.

Murray does not have an agent. He does not have social media. He operates entirely on instinct, and yet film directors including Wes Anderson, Sofia Coppola, Jim Jarmusch, and Rian Johnson have all sought him out, often going to extraordinary lengths to get him attached to their projects.

His influence on comedy, the deadpan delivery, the blending of humor with genuine pathos, the instinct to find the unexpected angle in every moment  has shaped an entire generation of comedic actors.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Bill Murray?

Bill Murray is an iconic American actor and comedian, born September 21, 1950, famous for his deadpan humor in films like Ghostbusters, Groundhog Day, and Lost in Translation.

How old is Bill Murray?

Bill Murray is 75 years old (born September 21, 1950; as of March 2026).

What is Bill Murray’s net worth?

Bill Murray net worth is estimated at $180 million in 2026, earned from acting, voice work, investments, and businesses like his golf apparel line.

What are Bill Murray’s most famous movies?

His most famous movies include Ghostbusters (1984), Groundhog Day (1993), Caddyshack (1980), Lost in Translation (2003), and Wes Anderson films like Rushmore and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

Is Bill Murray still acting in 2026?

Yes, Bill Murray remains active at 75, with recent roles in Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024), The Friend (2025), and upcoming projects like St. Vincent 2 and music tours.

Does Bill Murray have kids?

Bill Murray has six sons from two marriages: Homer, Caleb, Luke, Cooper, Lincoln, and Jackson.

Why does Bill Murray have a 1 800 number?

Bill Murray uses a famous 1  800 number instead of an agent for script offers and casting calls, allowing him to review messages directly and maintain control over his career.

What is Bill Murray’s best movie?

Many consider Groundhog Day (1993) his best movie for its blend of comedy and philosophy, though Lost in Translation (2003) earned him an Oscar nomination and critical acclaim.

Is Bill Murray married?

No, Bill Murray is not currently married; he was previously married to Margaret Kelly (1981–1996) and Jennifer Butler (1997–2008).

What is Bill Murray doing now in 2026?

In 2026, Bill Murray is touring with his blues  rock band Blood Brothers, appearing in new films like Epiphany, and staying true to his quirky, unpredictable lifestyle.

Conclusion

Bill Murray’s life reads like a movie no studio would greenlight: a kid from a big Irish  Catholic family in the Chicago suburbs gets arrested for marijuana on his birthday, drops out of college, stumbles into improv comedy, becomes the king of SNL, invents the blockbuster comedy, disappears from Hollywood for four years to study French at the Sorbonne, comes back and gets an Oscar nomination  all without an agent, a manager, or a Twitter account.

From the halls of The Second City to the red carpet of the Academy Awards, Bill Murray has spent more than five decades being exactly unpredictable, brilliantly funny, quietly melancholic, and utterly impossible to categorize. And that, more than any film or award, is his greatest achievement.