Bill Murray Reveals He ‘Wept’ During the ‘SNL50’ Special
While many viewers may have found themselves laughing to the point of tears during “SNL50,” former cast member Bill Murray experienced a different kind of emotional response.
The comedian, who made an appearance during the recent 50th anniversary special of the late-night show, revealed he was overcome with emotions throughout the broadcast.
“It was unexpectedly touching,” he shared on Feb. 28 during an interview on SiriusXM’s “Sway in the Morning.” “I cried three times during the show. It truly moved me.”
Murray participated in a segment where he ranked “Weekend Update” anchors, humorously attributing his tears to “sketches that were fading away.” He also noted he was touched by memories of cast members from “SNL” who have since passed, including a montage highlighting the show’s physical comedy, featuring a scene from the “Dancing in the Dark” sketch from Season Three in 1978, where the late Gilda Radner dances alongside Steve Martin.
“As I watched, I was taken aback by all the history and footage they displayed, and I didn’t see it coming—there was Gilda dancing with Steve Martin. I remember standing there for days watching them practice that dance number,” he reflected.
“I adored Gilda. I was completely in love with her, and it hit me hard. I was in the dressing room surrounded by others, and I just couldn’t hold back my emotions.”
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Murray also felt a sense of nostalgia as he watched “SNL50” present “Don’t Look Back in Anger,” a black-and-white short film created by Tom Schiller during Season Three in 1978. In this film, John Belushi, using makeup to appear older, read tombstones of other cast members while contemplating why he outlived them.
Belushi was the first cast member to pass away, dying from a drug overdose in 1982 at just 33 years old.
“Seeing that, and just thinking about him—I could tear up just recalling it—highlighted Schiller’s foresight in creating that piece, and it reminds me how much I miss him,” Murray elaborated on the influence Belushi had on many.
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“John was someone who opened doors for countless careers,” he remarked. “He brought us all out from Chicago. John Belushi did that. He was the pioneer, bold and fearless.
“He came to New York and kicked off an off-Broadway show called ‘Lemmings.’ He was the funniest and most intimidating guy in New York, declaring, ‘These New York actors aren’t cutting it. I’ve got a crew.’ He brought Joe Flaherty, Harold Ramis, Gilda, and myself along. Many of us crashed on John Belushi’s couch until we found our footing.”
