‘Bill Murray Day’ honors veteran actor
This year’s Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is currently underway, with a fun new additions to its schedule. TIFF officially declared September 5 “Bill Murray Day” at the festival, and fans of the legendary actor could not be happier.
The festival screened a marathon of Murray’s most iconic films, including “Stripes,” “Groundhog Day” and “Ghostbusters,” which was followed by a Q&A with Murray himself.
“I get to park anywhere I want!” Murray stated.
All of this lead up to the premiere of Murray’s newest film, “St. Vincent,” a comedy in which Murray plays a rude, yet caring old war veteran who befriends a young boy moving in next door. “St. Vincent” has been met with mass critical and fan praise and even put Murray in the best actor Oscar race. But that one film couldn’t take all the news away from “Bill Murray Day” as a whole.
Fans turned out in costumes that showcased characters from Murray’s filmography that weren’t even featured at the festival, such as the bearded ocean explorer, Steve Zissou. There was even a baby dressed as the Stay Puff Marshmallow Man from Ghostbusters.
When asked about his involvement about his own day, he gave perhaps the most “Bill Murray answer” anyone could think of:
“People kept coming up and saying things like, ‘it’s real humid out there. And it’s going to get more humid.’ That’s what my day’s been like. It’s mostly been a weather report.”
After the screening of “St. Vincent” concluded the day, Murray came up on stage one last time to receive a crown and red sash as everyone in the room gave him a standing ovation.
If people needed anymore confirmation that Bill Murray is a one-of-a-kind legend, this just about seals the deal.