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Anecdote from Bill Murray Reveals Bruce Willis’s “Saturday Night Live” Beginnings
Before achieving Hollywood stardom, Bruce Willis’s early career included a surprising role behind the scenes at “Saturday Night Live.” Bill Murray recently recounted this anecdote, describing Willis’s “insane” task on the iconic NBC sketch comedy show prior to his breakthrough.
Murray Recounts Willis’s Humble Role at “SNL”
During a recent appearance on “Watch What Happens Live,” Murray shared a story about the “Die Hard” actor’s time working backstage at “Saturday Night Live.”
“Bruce Willis was an NBC page when I was on ‘Saturday Night Live,'” Murray stated. “This sounds unbelievable, but his responsibility was to visit the dressing rooms and replenish the M&Ms and pretzels in the actors’ rooms,” Murray explained, highlighting Willis’s modest start.
The “Ghostbusters” icon recalled meeting Willis later in his career, noting, “I remember when I encountered him after he had already become successful, he mentioned that Gilda [Radner] and I were kind to him,” Murray told host Andy Cohen.
Willis’s Career Trajectory: From Backstage to Hosting “SNL”
After his Hollywood breakthrough, Bruce Willis eventually returned to “SNL,” not as a page, but as the host. He hosted the show in both 1989 and 2013, marking a significant shift in his association with the program.
Murray Reflects on Wes Anderson Films
In a segment called “Plead the Fifth,” Murray, known for his collaborations with director Wes Anderson, was asked to rank Anderson’s films from favorite to least favorite. Murray has collaborated with Anderson in nine films.
“‘Grand Budapest Hotel’ was truly incredible in terms of its professional and technical aspects,” Murray commented.
Reflecting on his experience with another Anderson film, Murray shared, “‘Life Aquatic’ [with Steve Zissou] was the most challenging and difficult job I’ve ever undertaken. It almost jeopardized both my life and personal well-being.”
Conversely, “‘Moonrise Kingdom’ was a genuinely beautiful and charming film. I had a wonderful experience working on it with [Anderson],” the comedian added, appearing visibly touched.
Murray, 74, and Willis, 70, shared the screen in the 2012 movie “Moonrise Kingdom.”
“Bruce Willis is a good guy, a genuinely good person. He was a valued friend,” Murray reiterated his sentiment.
Murray’s Kind Words Follow Willis’s 70th Birthday
Murray’s positive remarks about the “Pulp Fiction” actor come nearly two weeks after Willis celebrated his 70th birthday.
On March 19, Rumer Willis, Bruce’s daughter, provided a positive update to fans regarding her father’s health following his diagnoses of aphasia and frontotemporal dementia.
Rumer Willis Updates on Her Father’s Health
During an impromptu Q&A session with fans on social media, Rumer, 36, discussed her father’s ongoing battle with frontotemporal dementia.
In an Instagram Story, when asked about her famous father’s well-being, the “House Bunny” actress responded, “He’s doing great, thank you for asking.”
“It is actually his 70th birthday tomorrow, so please wish my papa a big happy birthday,” she requested on Tuesday.
Willis’s Family Life
The Emmy award winner has three daughters — Rumer, Tallulah, and Scout Willis — with his former wife, Demi Moore, whom he was married to from 1987 to 2000.
He also has two daughters with his current wife, Emma Heming: Mabel, 12, and Evelyn, 10.