Bill Murray recalls ‘insane’ chore young Bruce Willis had on ‘SNL’ set before big break

Bill Murray Reminisces About Bruce Willis’ Start in Show Business at ‘Saturday Night Live’

Actor Bill Murray recently shared fond memories of Bruce Willis’ early career, revealing that the “Die Hard” star began his path in entertainment working behind the scenes at “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). The “Ghostbusters” star recounted his recollections during a recent appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” offering insights into Willis’ pre-Hollywood days.

Bruce Willis’ Backstage Role at NBC

Murray explained that before achieving stardom, Bruce Willis was an NBC page during Murray’s tenure on “Saturday Night Live.” “This may sound unbelievable,” Murray noted, “[but] his responsibility was to visit the dressing rooms and replenish the M&Ms and pretzels for the cast members.”

Lasting Impression of ‘SNL’

Murray indicated that Willis retained a positive impression of his time at “SNL,” even after progressing beyond the NBCUniversal page program, which is designed to provide young individuals with initial career opportunities in the media industry.

“I remember when I encountered him after he had become a successful actor,” Murray told host Andy Cohen and guest Naomi Watts, “he mentioned that you and Gilda [Radner] were kind to me.”

Bruce Willis Returns to Host ‘SNL’

Years later, Willis, having achieved significant fame, returned to “SNL” as the host in both 1989 and 2013, demonstrating the enduring connection to the show where he once worked behind the scenes.

Collaboration on ‘Moonrise Kingdom’

Murray, 74, and Willis, 70, later shared the screen in the 2012 film “Moonrise Kingdom.”

“’Moonrise Kingdom’ was a truly beautiful and delightful film. I had the pleasure of working with him and had a genuinely wonderful experience,” Murray enthusiastically expressed, appearing visibly touched by the memory.

Murray’s Praise for Willis

“Bruce Willis is a good man, a genuinely good man. He was a good friend,” Murray affirmed.

Murray’s complimentary words for Willis surfaced approximately two weeks after the “Sixth Sense” actor celebrated his 70th birthday on March 19.

Health Updates and Family Birthday Wishes

Rumer Willis, Bruce Willis’ eldest daughter, provided an update on his condition following his diagnoses of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia, conditions that can affect communication and behavior. Willis retired from acting in 2022 due to these health challenges.

“Please send birthday wishes to my papa,” Rumer requested the day before his milestone birthday, adding that he was “doing well.”

Tallulah Willis, another of Bruce’s daughters, also celebrated her father with an affectionate message shared on Instagram.

“Happy 70th birthday to my dearest friend! You are an enduring source of light! I love you and am so proud to be your daughter,” she wrote.

Bruce Willis’ Family

The Emmy Award winner has three daughters – Rumer, Tallulah, and Scout Willis – with his former wife, Demi Moore, to whom he was married from 1987 to 2000.

With his current wife, Emma Heming, he also has two daughters: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.

The model commemorated their 16th wedding anniversary on March 21, expressing on Instagram, “We’ve experienced significant highs and profound lows, and throughout it all, we’ve cultivated something timeless.”

“I am deeply thankful for every phase of our life together and all the future chapters we will continue to create, in our language of unwavering love.”