As Bill Murray celebrates his 73rd birthday today, let’s look at some iconic characters played by the actor that still stay in the hearts of his fans and are relevant to today’s audiences
Bill Murray who is beloved and versatile actor, has graced the silver screen with his charismatic presence for decades. From his early days on "Saturday Night Live" to his memorable film roles, Murray has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
While he has portrayed numerous iconic characters throughout his career, here are the top five characters played by Bill Murray that continue to be cherished by fans.
1. John Bosley in 'Charlie's Angels'
In the early 2000s, Bill Murray took on the role of John Bosley in the Hollywood film adaptation of the popular TV series "Charlie's Angels." While the film may not be critically acclaimed, Murray's portrayal of Bosley, the middleman between the Angels and the enigmatic Charlie, provided a consistent comedic element that kept audiences entertained. Murray's comedic timing in this role, was a major factor making him a standout in an otherwise forgettable movie.
2. Frank Milo in 'Mad Dog and Glory'
In the 1993 crime comedy-drama "Mad Dog and Glory," Murray embraced an unusual role reversal with co-star Robert De Niro. Murray played Frank Milo, an eccentric crime boss, while De Niro portrayed the mild-mannered Wayne Dobie, an employee of the Chicago Police Department. Murray's quirky performance as Milo added a unique and comical dimension to the film. The memorable fight scene between Murray and De Niro remains a highlight of the movie.
3. Felix Keane in 'On the Rocks'
Murray's more recent work includes his role as Felix Keane in the 2020 comedy-drama "On the Rocks." This film earned him a Best Actor Golden Globe nomination and paired him with Rashida Jones, who played his daughter. Felix is a father concerned about his daughter's marriage and uses this as an opportunity to bond with her. In the film, Murray simply pours life into Felix, a gentleman who, despite being flawed, is marked by his undeniable charm as he attempts to make amends for past mistakes.
4. Jack Kennison in 'Olive Kitteridge'
In 2014, Murray appeared in the critically acclaimed HBO miniseries "Olive Kitteridge." He played Jack Kennison, a widower who becomes entangled in the life of the misanthropic retired schoolteacher Olive, portrayed by Frances McDormand. Murray's performance in this role earned him nominations for both a Golden Globe and a Primetime Emmy Award. It was a standout television performance that can be marked after his "Saturday Night Live."
5. Don Johnston in 'Broken Flowers'
"Broken Flowers," released in 2005, shows Murray's ability to blend comedy and drama seamlessly. In the film, Murray plays Don Johnston, an aging Don Juan who discovers he has a grown child and embarks on a journey to find him. Murray's performance in this gem is a testament to his growth as an actor. How he struggles with questions of identity and purpose is a sight to behold, all while he maintains his signature comedic charm even in the toughest of scenes.
While these are just a handful of the memorable characters Bill Murray has brought to life, they serve as a testament to his enduring talent and versatility as an actor. From comedic roles to dramatic performances, Murray continues to captivate audiences and solidify his place as one of Hollywood's most beloved figures.