Bill Murray

Bill Murray joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL) during its second season on January 15, 1976, as a replacement for Chevy Chase. Murray's unique comedic style and characters quickly made him a standout performer on the show. During his time at SNL, Murray developed several popular characters and became known for his 'Weekend Update' appearances, solidifying his reputation as a major comedic talent. His tenure on the show helped pave the way for a successful film career, and he is often remembered as one of the most iconic cast members in SNL's history.

Meatballs is a 1979 Canadian comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman. It was the first film to feature Bill Murray in a starring role on the big screen. In the film, he plays Tripper Harrison, the chief counselor of a budget summer camp called Camp North Star. Thriving on improvisation and ad-lib, Murray's performance in the film was instrumental in its commercial success, and it marked the beginning of his long collaboration with director Reitman. The film was released on June 29, 1979, and is credited with helping to launch Murray’s career in film acting.

Caddyshack is a 1980 American sports comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Brian Doyle-Murray, Harold Ramis, and Douglas Kenney. Bill Murray stars as Carl Spackler, a demented groundskeeper at an exclusive golf course. Released on June 20, 1980, Caddyshack was initially criticized by some but has since become a cult classic. Murray's performance in the film, largely improvised, is especially notable for its comedic brilliance. The film's cult status grew over the years, and Murray's role in it is considered one of the highlights of his early film career, showcasing his improvisational skills and unique comedic talent.

Stripes is a 1981 American war comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and starring Bill Murray, Harold Ramis, Warren Oates, P. J. Soles, Sean Young and John Candy. John Winger, an indolent and disillusioned taxi driver, joins the United States Army after losing his job and girlfriend in the same day, with his close friend Russell Ziskey. The film premiered on May 22, 1981, and became a box office hit. It established Bill Murray as a leading comedic actor and is noted for its irreverent humor and lively performances by the cast. "Stripes" has achieved cult status, particularly among fans of 1980s comedies.

Ghostbusters is a 1984 American supernatural comedy film directed by Ivan Reitman and written by Dan Aykroyd and Harold Ramis. The film stars Bill Murray, Dan Aykroyd, and Harold Ramis as three eccentric parapsychologists who start a ghost-catching business in New York City. The film was released on June 8, 1984, and became a cultural phenomenon, leading to a franchise including films, animated series, and merchandise. Bill Murray’s performance as Dr. Peter Venkman was widely praised and became one of his most iconic roles.

Groundhog Day is a 1993 American fantasy comedy film directed by Harold Ramis and written by Ramis and Danny Rubin. It stars Bill Murray as Phil Connors, a cynical television weatherman covering the annual Groundhog Day event in Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, who becomes trapped in a time loop, repeating the same day again and again. Released on February 12, 1993, the film has since become a classic, influencing popular culture and even philosophical discussions. Bill Murray's role in the film is considered one of his best performances and showcases his comedic range and ability to handle a character's emotional development throughout the narrative.

Rushmore is a 1998 American comedy-drama film directed by Wes Anderson, co-written by Anderson and Owen Wilson. The film stars Jason Schwartzman, Bill Murray, and Olivia Williams. In "Rushmore," Bill Murray plays Herman Blume, an industrialist who befriends a precocious high school student and becomes involved in a love triangle with him and a teacher. Released on September 18, 1998, the film was critically acclaimed and is regarded as one of the defining collaborations between Murray and Anderson. It displayed Murray's ability to portray complex, melancholy characters and is credited with reviving his career as an actor capable of more than comedic roles.

Lost in Translation is a 2003 romantic comedy-drama film written and directed by Sofia Coppola. It stars Bill Murray as Bob Harris, an aging actor, and Scarlett Johansson as Charlotte, a neglected newlywed, who form an unlikely friendship after meeting in a Tokyo hotel. The film was released in the United States on November 28, 2003, and was critically acclaimed. Bill Murray's performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Actor. The film explores themes of loneliness, connection, and cultural displacement, and helped redefine Murray's career path by showcasing his ability to handle dramatic roles with depth and subtlety.

On March 15, 2004, Bill Murray received his first Academy Award nomination for Best Actor for his role in Sofia Coppola's "Lost in Translation." This nomination marked a significant moment in Murray's career as it firmly established his capabilities as a dramatic actor, having been long recognized for his comedic talents. Although he did not win, losing to Sean Penn for "Mystic River," the nomination was a testament to his performance as Bob Harris and was indicative of his broad range as an actor. The acclaim for his role also reinforced "Lost in Translation" as a critical and cultural success.

The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou is a 2004 American comedy-drama film directed, co-written, and co-produced by Wes Anderson. It stars Bill Murray as Steve Zissou, an eccentric oceanographer. Released on September 17, 2004, the movie is considered one of Murray's defining roles in his collaboration with Anderson. Although it received mixed reviews upon release, it has since gained a devoted following. Murray's portrayal of the title character demonstrated his talent for blending deadpan comedy with emotional depth, reinforcing his reputation for being an actor capable of navigating between humor and pathos.