What is a ‘Bill Murray Story’?

A “Bill Murray Story” is a story, told in the first person, that starts out sounding believable enough; but then it takes an absurd or bizarre turn and ends up involving actor Bill Murray doing something ridiculous. Typically these stories end with Bill Murray saying “No one will ever believe you“, or something to that effect. Also, the stories are often (usually?) fictional. It is difficult to estimate what portion of them contain any truth, but that kind of adds to the allure, no?

Are Bill Murray stories true?

A number of people have asked about this. Many people assume they’re all fake, while others assume they’re all true. Some people think we would have you believe they’re all true (when they aren’t). So which is it?

Here’s part of an email I sent to someone who asked this question:

We didn’t invent this idea and not all of the stories are fictional – many have actually happened. Deciding which ones you think are/aren’t true is half the fun.

However, the point is that Bill Murray does indeed do some hilarious, odd, kind, interesting, or otherwise surprising things, often unexpectedly. We were not the first (and are far from the only) site to document this. For example: http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/uknews/1531473/Bill-Murray-turns-fiction-into-fact.html

If that wasn’t published in a newspaper, nobody would believe it. Actually, I think a lot of people would be doubtful despite that as well. Fortunately, there is at least one picture to support the story.

In fact, there have been at least two stories on this site accompanied by photos. For the most part, though, I just post things at face value and leave it at that. After more than two years, this whole website still seems crazy to me. But people seem to like it and, as long as that’s the case, I’ll continue to enjoy posting their stories… the true ones, the made up ones, and the ones that are actually true (even if nobody would ever believe them).

Why?

After first hearing about the “Bill Murray Story” concept through some friends, I immediately felt it was a fun way in which to tell a story. In fact, its kind of a running joke among some people I know to try and tell an entire Bill Murray story – without someone calling you on it before you reveal the ending.

The biggest reason for this site, though, is that he is one of my favorite actors of all time and seems like a genuinely cool and down to earth person. One one hand, he’s this renowned actor and comedian that is known and loved across the world. At the same time, I get the impression that he doesn’t take himself too seriously or let it get in the way of having a good time. He often engages with his fans in a way unlike anyone else I know of.

Can I write a story?

Of course you can! Just click the Submit a Story tab at the top of the page, follow the directions there, and we will post your story as soon as we review it. Also, be sure to include your name and/or website if you want to be recognized.