Bill Murray honoured for comic legacy
WASHINGTON — Though he long ago transitioned from zany comedy into poignant, seriocomic roles, Bill Murray never stopped making people laugh, and now he’s being honoured with the top prize for humour in the U.S.
The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts announced Monday that Murray, 65, will be this year’s recipient of the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor. The award goes to those who influence society in the tradition of Samuel Clemens, the writer, satirist and social commentator better known as Mark Twain.
“I’m honoured by the award and by its timing,” Murray said in a statement. “I believe Mark Twain has rolled over in his grave so much for so long, that this news won’t disturb his peace.”
Like past Twain prize recipients including Tina Fey, Will Ferrell and last year’s winner, Eddie Murphy, Murray first gained prominence for his work on Saturday Night Live. He joined the cast in 1977, replacing the beloved Chevy Chase, and he overcame audience skepticism by creating the iconic character Nick the Lounge Singer.
His first starring movie role was in Meatballs (1979), and he scored a major hit the following year with the anarchic golf comedy Caddyshack. Murray — an avid golfer who grew up caddying — played Carl Spackler, a deranged groundskeeper who spins tall tales about carrying the Dalai Lama’s golf bag.
Murray went on to become a bankable comedy star in such movies as Ghostbusters (1984) and Groundhog Day (1993).
Later in his career, Murray began taking more dramatic roles. In 2003, he garnered critical praise and racked up award after award — but not an Oscar — for his soulful turn in Sofia Coppola’s Lost in Translation.
Murray will accept the prize, first handed out in 1998, at an Oct. 23 gala at the Kennedy Center.