When Bill Murray married Margaret Kelly in a spontaneous Las Vegas ceremony on Super Bowl Sunday in 1981, Hollywood took notice of a rare, grounded romance. While celebrity unions often involve massive public spectacles, high-profile publicists, and glossy magazine covers, their path began far away from the traditional studio spotlight. Mid-career momentum for Murray was skyrocketing on the heels of early comedy hits, yet his personal life pointed toward a quiet desire for stability.
Understanding the relationship between Bill Murray and Margaret Kelly requires looking past tabloid summaries. Their time together spanned over a decade, produced two sons, and reflected the personal shifts of a major cinematic icon during the peak years of his career.
The 1981 Las Vegas Elopement
The wedding happened on January 25, 1981, while Murray was actively filming the military comedy Stripes. Rather than planning a traditional society wedding, Murray orchestrated a surprise trip to Nevada.
According to Kelly, the elopement caught her entirely off guard. She recalled thinking about starting an argument during the drive, only to realize Murray had quietly mapped out the entire trip. She chose to go along with the impulsive detour, resulting in a quick wedding chapel ceremony that coincided with Super Bowl Sunday—a day Murray famously treated with high regard.
Because the initial wedding was so abrupt, the couple later held a second ceremony in Chicago to celebrate with their families and close friends. This grounded approach set the tone for the early years of their marriage, keeping family matters mostly shielded from the relentless glare of the entertainment press.
Life Behind the Scenes During Murray's Rise
During the 1980s and early 1990s, Murray transitioned from Saturday Night Live breakout star to a cinematic powerhouse, starring in massive hits like Ghostbusters and critically acclaimed projects like The Razor's Edge. Throughout this intense career scaling, Kelly managed family life, maintaining a home environment for their growing family away from Los Angeles.
The couple raised two sons together, Homer and Luke. While Murray worked on demanding production schedules across the globe, Kelly prioritized a private upbringing for the children. This separation between Hollywood's chaotic sets and their domestic life allowed the marriage to endure for more than fifteen years, a notable longevity in the entertainment industry.
The Unraveling and Divorce
By the mid-1990s, personal strains and professional pressures caught up with the long-standing union. The marriage officially ended in divorce in 1996, following strains brought on by Murray's relationship with costume designer Jennifer Butler, whom he later married.
Despite the final split, the separation marked the end of an era that defined Murray's transition from a wild, unpredictable young comic actor to an established family man. Kelly returned to a private life out of the public eye, focusing on her career and family pursuits.
Frequently Asked Questions
When did Bill Murray and Margaret Kelly get married?
They married on January 25, 1981, during a spontaneous trip to Las Vegas while Murray was filming Stripes. They later held a formal family ceremony in Chicago.
How many children do they have together?
They share two sons, Homer and Luke. Luke pursued a career in basketball coaching, eventually working at the collegiate level.
Why did their marriage end?
The couple divorced in 1996 after fifteen years of marriage, following personal separations and Murray's involvement with Jennifer Butler, whom he married the following year.
What was Margaret Kelly's background before meeting Murray?
Kelly studied theatre arts at Saint Mary-of-the-Woods College and worked as an NBC page before building a private life focused on raising their family and later working in residential real estate.
