Was Bill Murray Ever Married? He Once Shared Some Excellent Marriage Advice
Actor Bill Murray has graced the big and small screens for decades. But for the past couple of those, he hasn’t been romantically linked to anyone, famous or otherwise. Was Bill Murray ever married? Discover his marriage history and the advice he once gave regarding tying the knot.
Bill Murray starred in ‘Saturday Night Live’ in the 1970s
Murray’s career began in the 1970s. He started as an improv comic, later making his way to work with National Lampoon alums like John Belushi. From there, he earned his role on Saturday Night Live. Murray joined the cast in season 2, after Chevy Chase left, and stayed there for three seasons.
While working on Saturday Night Live, Murray entered into a relationship with his co-star Gilda Radner. After she died, Murray said of his ex (via the Guardian), “Gilda was really an extraordinary and spectacular person. I never enjoyed making anyone laugh more than her. Never.”
He married his first wife, Margaret Kelly, as his film career began
Murray’s first significant film role came with the 1979 comedy Meatballs. This propelled his career forward, and he starred in hits like Caddyshack and Tootsie. It was around this time that the actor married his first wife, Margaret “Micky” Kelly. Together, the pair had two sons, Homer and Luke.
After the success of Ghostbusters, Murray spent time with his family. According to a New York Times profile, he spent much of the mid-’80s “leading a stable family life,” a year of which was spent in Paris, France, with his wife and children. His next big film, Scrooged, earned him even more notoriety.
Murray had an affair with Jennifer Butler, who he later married
After a little over 15 years of marriage, Murray had an affair with Jennifer Butler. Following his divorce from Kelly, Murray and Butler married in 1997. The pair have four children: Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln. After a little over 10 years of marriage, Murray and Butler also divorced.
In a Post and Courier article from the time, the publication notes that Butler accused Murray of “drug addiction, abandonment, adultery and physically abusing” her when she filed her case. Additionally, she asked for a restraining order against the actor. Their divorce was finalized in 1998.
Is Bill Murray married in 2021?
In the 13 years since his divorce from Butler, Murray has not remarried. “I do think about [why I haven’t found a great love],” said in a 2014 interview on The Howard Stern Show (via UPI). “I’m not sure what I’m getting done here. I have kids that I’m responsible for. I don’t think I’m lonely.”
In fact, Murray still gives marriage advice, despite being twice-divorced. A 2014 Deadspin article features a video of him dolling out wisdom at a bachelor party. “If you have someone that you think is the one,” he began, “take that person and travel around the world…if when you come back, you’re still in love with that person, get married at the airport.”
