Bill Murray Remembers Bruce Willis’ Early Career – ‘Insane’ Job That Led to Stardom

In a recent appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Bill Murray took a moment to reflect on the early days of Bruce Willis’s career, sharing a fascinating story about the actor’s time as a behind-the-scenes assistant at Saturday Night Live (SNL). This recollection, while lighthearted, offers a glimpse into the humble beginnings of a Hollywood icon and highlights the unique connections forged during the formative years of the show.

Murray, who was an SNL cast member from 1977 to 1980, reminisced about meeting Willis, who was then working as a page at NBC. The role of a page, which often included menial tasks like refilling M&Ms and pretzels in the actors’ dressing rooms, was a far cry from the A-list Hollywood star Willis would eventually become. Murray described Willis’s task as “insane,” noting the stark contrast between the lowly job and the superstar status Willis would later achieve, particularly after his breakout role in Moonlighting and his legendary performance in Die Hard.

A Humble Beginning

Before Willis was known worldwide for his role as John McClane in Die Hard, he was part of NBC’s Page Program, an internship designed for aspiring individuals to gain industry experience. Murray’s account of Willis’s role reflects not only the early days of his career but also the humility that marked his journey into stardom. “It was insane to think that this guy was later going to become Bruce Willis,” Murray said, referring to Willis’s early tasks on set. It was these very humble beginnings that made Willis’s rise to fame even more remarkable.

Murray further recalled that, during that time, Willis approached him and fellow SNL alum Gilda Radner for support. “You and Gilda were nice to me,” Willis told Murray, showing gratitude for the kindness and mentorship he received during his time as a page. This moment adds a personal touch to the story, highlighting the camaraderie that existed among the SNL cast, even in its early days.

A Lasting Friendship

The two actors went on to work together again in Wes Anderson’s Moonrise Kingdom in 2012, where Murray had high praise for his co-star, calling Willis “a good fucking guy” and “a good friend.” Their professional bond, forged during their early years on SNL, had clearly endured, with Murray expressing nothing but admiration for Willis’s career and character.

Murray’s comments also hold personal significance, particularly considering Willis’s recent health struggles. In early 2023, Willis was diagnosed with frontotemporal dementia, leading to his retirement from acting. Murray’s recollection, which aired just weeks after Willis celebrated his 70th birthday on March 19, 2025, comes at a time of reflection on the actor’s illustrious career and his health challenges. Willis’s recent retirement and the public tributes from his family, including ex-wife Demi Moore and current wife Emma Heming Willis, have only underscored the deep love and respect he has earned over the years.

Willis’s Legacy and Connection to SNL

Willis’s transition from a behind-the-scenes page to a celebrated actor who would later host SNL in 1989 and 2013 marks a significant trajectory in his career. His time at SNL as a guest host came after his rise to fame, and it allowed him to share the stage with comedic legends like Murray, who hosted the show five times. The relationship between Murray and Willis, shaped by their early interactions at SNL, is a testament to the lasting connections forged in the world of comedy and television.

This moment of reflection not only serves as a nod to Willis’s early days but also encapsulates the essence of the bond between these two actors who came from very different backgrounds but found common ground through their work at SNL. The story of Willis’s early job as a page is a reminder of the challenges and humble beginnings that many actors, including Willis, had to overcome on their path to stardom.

A Full Circle Moment

As we look back at Willis’s remarkable career and his recent milestone birthday, Murray’s recollection offers a touching tribute to the actor’s character and journey. While his work on SNL may have seemed like a small step in Willis’s career, it was a defining moment that shaped the trajectory of his future in Hollywood. Today, as Willis navigates his health challenges, his legacy remains deeply embedded in the fabric of popular culture, made all the more poignant by the bond he shared with Murray and the mentorship he received from those who believed in him early on.

The story of Willis’s time as an SNL page and his enduring friendship with Bill Murray highlights the significance of kindness, mentorship, and humility, themes that have guided both of their careers. It’s a beautiful reminder that even the most iconic actors start with small, often unseen roles that eventually shape the trajectory of their careers and lives.