Whether he’s crashing a random karaoke party, serving drinks at a dive bar, or delivering a masterclass in deadpan cinema, Bill Murray is more than just an actor; he is a living, breathing urban legend. Known for his “no agent, no publicist” lifestyle and a voicemail-only booking system, Murray has maintained a level of cool that few in Hollywood ever touch.
As of early 2026, the 75-year-old icon is navigating a unique chapter, trading the proton pack for a microphone as the frontman of a blues-rock band while continuing his long-standing partnership with indie cinema’s greatest auteurs.
Bill Murray Biography
Born William James Murray on September 21, 1950, in Wilmette, Illinois, Bill grew up in a large Irish-Catholic family with eight siblings. His father was a lumber salesman and his mother a mailroom clerk. Tragedy struck early when his father passed away when Bill was just 17, an event that forced him to develop the resilient, sarcastic exterior that would later define his career.
Before his fame, Bill worked as a golf caddy to fund his education and even briefly considered a career in medicine before being kicked out of Regis University for possession of marijuana. Fortunately, his brother Brian Doyle-Murray invited him to join Chicago’s The Second City improv troupe, where Bill’s genius for comedy was finally unleashed.
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Career
Bill’s career took flight in 1977 when he replaced Chevy Chase on Saturday Night Live. Since then, he has mastered three distinct eras:
- The Comedy King (1980s): Leading blockbusters like Ghostbusters and Caddyshack.
- The Indie Darling (2000s): Becoming the muse for Wes Anderson and earning an Oscar nomination for Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation.
- The Musical Frontman (2025–2026): In a surprise turn, Bill spent much of 2025 touring as the frontman for The Blood Brothers, a blues-rock band.
- Latest Projects: In 2024 and 2025, he starred in the heartfelt drama The Friend alongside Naomi Watts and recently wrapped filming on Wes Anderson’s latest project, The Phoenician Scheme.
Bill Murray Movies
- Caddyshack (1980): As the eccentric groundskeeper Carl Spackler.
- Ghostbusters (1984): His career-defining role as Dr. Peter Venkman.
- Groundhog Day (1993): A philosophical comedy masterpiece.
- Rushmore (1998): His first collaboration with Wes Anderson.
- Lost in Translation (2003): Earning him a BAFTA and a Golden Globe.
- St. Vincent (2014): A grumpy-but-lovable neighbor turn.
- Ghostbusters: Frozen Empire (2024): His most recent return to the franchise.
- The Friend (2024): A dramatic look at friendship and loss.
Bill Murray Net Worth
As of early 2026, Bill Murray’s net worth is estimated at $180 million. While he famously accepted only $9,000 to star in Rushmore, his wealth has been built through smart back-end deals on classics like Ghostbusters and his substantial real-estate portfolio, including homes in South Carolina, New York, and California. He also co-owns several minor-league baseball teams and the popular Murray Bros. Caddyshack restaurant chain.
Family
The Murray family is a comedy dynasty. Bill is the fourth of nine children; three of his brothers, Brian Doyle-Murray, Joel Murray, and John Murray, are also actors.
Bill has six sons from his two marriages: Homer and Luke (with Margaret Kelly), and Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln (with Jennifer Butler). His children largely stay out of the limelight. However, his son, Luke, is a well-known assistant coach for the University of Connecticut’s basketball team, and his son, Cooper, has appeared in small roles alongside his father.
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Relationships and Rumors
Bill Murray and Margaret Kelly
Bill married his first wife, Margaret “Mickey” Kelly, in 1981 in Las Vegas (followed by a second ceremony in Chicago). They were together through his massive 80s rise, but the marriage ended in divorce in 1996, reportedly due to Bill’s growing involvement with costume designer Jennifer Butler.
Bill Murray and Jennifer Butler
Bill married Jennifer Butler in 1997. Their decade-long marriage resulted in four sons, but ended in a highly publicized and contentious divorce in 2008. Butler filed for divorce, citing domestic violence and substance abuse, allegations Bill never publicly addressed. Sadly, Jennifer passed away in January 2021, and Bill has since spoken about the “profound loss” her death meant for their sons.
Bill Murray and Kelis
In the summer of 2023, the internet was set ablaze by rumors that Bill was dating “Milkshake” singer Kelis. The two were spotted together at several music festivals in London. However, in a March 2025 interview on Sway in the Morning, Bill finally broke his silence, calling Kelis “spectacular” but denying a romantic relationship. He joked that the rumors “greatly raised his cred” but that they were simply fans of each other’s work.
Controversies
Bill’s “difficult” reputation has long been part of his lore, but things took a serious turn in 2022 when production on the film Being Mortal was suspended following a misconduct complaint. In April 2025, Bill spoke candidly with the New York Times, admitting he felt “barbecued” by the incident. He explained that he had kissed a female colleague through a mask as a joke that “wasn’t taken that way.” The film remains shelved as of early 2026, though long-time collaborator Wes Anderson has publicly stood by him.
Bill Murray’s Age
As of early 2026, Bill Murray is 75 years old. He celebrated the milestone in September 2025, reportedly marking the occasion with a low-key gathering in Charleston, South Carolina.
Bill Murray Now
Now, Bill is leaning into his status as a wandering “folk hero.” When he isn’t on a film set, he is often seen touring with his band, The Blood Brothers, or filming his new BBC travel series, Off Course, which sees him touring the golf courses of Ireland with his family. He continues to live without a traditional publicist, making him one of the last true mysteries in the age of over-exposure.
Conclusion
Bill Murray is the rare star who has managed to be both a household name and a total enigma. Whether he is dealing with “lunatic arbitrations” or playing the blues in a small club, he remains the undisputed king of the unpredictable.
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