Bill Murray’s dark moods

Bill Murray is one grumpy man, says Kevin Maher in the London Times. The 59-year-old actor and comedian is respected in Hollywood for his talent, but is known to be difficult to work with. Director Joseph McGinty Nichol claims that Murray head-butted him on the set of Charlie’s Angels. “That’s complete crap!” Murray responds. “He deserves to die. He should be pierced with a lance, not head-butted.” One of Murray’s co-stars in that film, Lucy Liu, reportedly started throwing punches at him when he told her that she couldn’t act. “I will dismiss you completely if you are unprofessional and working with me,” Murray says, shrugging. “When our relationship is professional, and you’re not getting that done, forget it.” He refuses to hire an agent or a publicist, and the only way to contact him is through friends; Sofia Coppola spent seven months tracking him down to do Lost in Translation. He’s apparently no less difficult in his private life; his marriage to costume designer Jennifer Butler ended in a bitter divorce in which she got $7 million, two homes, and custody of their four sons. Asked if he’d marry again, Murray says, “I’m not really, um. Interested. You know?” Asked if he’s ever happy, he grins maniacally, and shouts, “I’m happy!” And then his face resumes its usual, enigmatic deadpan.

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