Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Bill Murray

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Bill Murray made an impact.

Bill Murray is an acclaimed American actor and comedian celebrated for his signature deadpan comedic style, evident across diverse roles in both mainstream comedies and independent films. His work has earned him numerous awards, including a BAFTA, two Golden Globes, and two Primetime Emmys, with an Academy Award nomination. In 2016, Murray received the prestigious Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, recognizing his significant contributions to the field.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1978: Confrontation with Chevy Chase before SNL

In 1978, Bill Murray confronted Chevy Chase, who had returned to guest host Saturday Night Live, shortly before a broadcast. Murray later described the incident as an 'Oedipal thing'.

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1987: Donated to Nathalie Salmon House

In 1987, Bill Murray donated money to help build the Nathalie Salmon House, which provides affordable housing for low-income seniors. Michael and Lilo Salmon, the founders of Housing Opportunities and Maintenance for the Elderly (HOME), said Murray performed "miracles" for them.

1988: Donated to Bob Kerrey's Senate Campaign

In 1988, Bill Murray donated $1,000 to former Governor of Nebraska Bob Kerrey's successful election to the United States Senate.

1993: Ended Collaboration with Harold Ramis

In 1993, creative differences between Bill Murray and film director and longtime collaborator Harold Ramis led to the end of their fruitful film collaboration.

2000: Supported Ralph Nader

During the 2000 presidential campaign, Bill Murray supported Green Party candidate Ralph Nader.

2003: Nominated for Academy Award for Lost in Translation

In 2003, Bill Murray was nominated for the Academy Award for Best Actor for his performance in Sofia Coppola's romance film, Lost in Translation.

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2010: Continued to appear in Wes Anderson films since 2010

Since 2010, Bill Murray continued his collaboration with Wes Anderson appearing in films such as Moonrise Kingdom and The Grand Budapest Hotel.

2012: Starred in Moonrise Kingdom

In 2012, Bill Murray appeared in Wes Anderson's coming-of-age comedy Moonrise Kingdom, which premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was both a critical and box office success.

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2012: Starred in Hyde Park on Hudson

In 2012, Bill Murray starred as Franklin D. Roosevelt in Roger Michell's historical comedy Hyde Park on Hudson. The film received positive reviews, and Murray earned a Golden Globe nomination for his performance as the president.

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2014: Starred in The Grand Budapest Hotel

In 2014, Bill Murray had a brief role in Wes Anderson's The Grand Budapest Hotel, which premiered at the 64th Berlin International Film Festival and received numerous Academy Award nominations and wins. He won the Screen Actors Guild Award for Outstanding Performance by a Cast in a Motion Picture for his ensemble work.

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2014: Starred in The Monuments Men and St. Vincent

In 2014, Bill Murray starred in George Clooney's The Monuments Men, and in St. Vincent as a Vietnam War veteran, receiving a Golden Globe nomination for his performance in St. Vincent.

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2015: Starred in Rock the Kasbah and A Very Murray Christmas

In 2015, Bill Murray starred in Rock the Kasbah and A Very Murray Christmas for Netflix, which received a Primetime Emmy Award nomination.

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July 15, 2016: Appeared in Ghostbusters reboot

On July 15, 2016, Bill Murray appeared in the Ghostbusters reboot as Martin Heiss, a cynical ghost debunker.

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2016: Voiced Baloo in The Jungle Book

In 2016, Bill Murray voiced Baloo in Jon Favreau's The Jungle Book, receiving praise for his comic performance. The film was financially successful. Murray was also nominated for Favorite Animated Movie Voice at the People's Choice Awards.

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2018: Played Steve Bannon on SNL and appeared in Isle of Dogs and Zombieland: Double Tap

In 2018, Bill Murray returned to Saturday Night Live as Steve Bannon and was part of the cast of Wes Anderson's Isle of Dogs. He also reprised his role in Zombieland: Double Tap.

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2019: Starred in The Dead Don't Die

In 2019, Bill Murray starred in Jim Jarmusch's zombie-comedy The Dead Don't Die, alongside Adam Driver and Selena Gomez. The film received mixed reviews.

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October 2021: Joined the cast of Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania

In October 2021, Bill Murray joined the cast of the superhero film Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania, set in the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

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2021: Appeared in Ghostbusters: Afterlife

In 2021, Bill Murray appeared in Ghostbusters: Afterlife, reprising his role.

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2022: Starred in The Greatest Beer Run Ever

In 2022, Bill Murray appeared in Peter Farrelly's biographical war comedy-drama film The Greatest Beer Run Ever, which debuted at the Toronto International Film Festival and later on Apple TV+.

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2024: Starred in The Friend

In 2024, Bill Murray starred opposite Naomi Watts in the comedy The Friend, which premiered at the Telluride Film Festival.

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2025: Reunited with Wes Anderson in The Phoenician Scheme and returned to SNL

In 2025, Bill Murray reunited with Wes Anderson in a minor role in the comedy The Phoenician Scheme and returned to Saturday Night Live for their 50th Anniversary Special where he ranked his favorite "Weekend Update" anchors.

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