You know the name. When someone says "Murray" in a Hollywood context, your brain probably jumps straight to Bill. Maybe you think of Brian Doyle-Murray’s gravelly voice or Joel Murray’s turn as Freddy Rumsen in Mad Men. But then there’s John. John Murray is the brother who kind of—well, he sort of vanished into the background of 80s cult cinema, yet he’s responsible for some of the most "wait, I know that guy!" moments in comedy history.
Honestly, looking back at john murray movies and tv shows, it's easy to see why he was the dark horse. He’s got that same dry, squinty-eyed wit as Bill, but with a weirdly manic energy that felt perfect for the 1980s. He wasn't trying to be a leading man in the traditional sense; he was more like the guy who crashes your party, drinks all your beer, and somehow makes the night legendary.
The Leading Man Moment: Moving Violations
If you were a kid in the 80s, you probably saw Moving Violations on a loop on HBO. This was John’s big swing at being the front-and-center star. Released in 1985, the movie is basically a spiritual cousin to Police Academy. John plays Dana Cannon, a smart-aleck who ends up in a remedial driving school run by a group of power-tripping cops.
The movie is total chaos. It’s got Wendie Jo Sperber and Jennifer Tilly, and it’s filled with the kind of physical comedy that doesn't really exist anymore. John’s performance is actually pretty nuanced for a slapstick comedy. He carries that "Murray" gene—the ability to look like he’s totally bored while actually being the smartest person in the room. Critics weren't exactly kind to it at the time, but for a certain generation, Dana Cannon is a legend.
It’s one of those films where you can see the potential for a massive career. He had the timing. He had the face. But for whatever reason, the industry didn't quite know what to do with a second, slightly more chaotic version of Bill Murray.
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Why Scrooged is a Family Affair
We have to talk about Scrooged. It’s a holiday staple, but most people miss the fact that it’s basically a Murray family reunion. Most audiences spot Bill, obviously. They usually catch Brian Doyle-Murray playing the dad in the flashbacks. But John? John plays James Cross, the actual brother of Bill’s character, Frank Cross.
There’s a specific scene where Frank goes to James’s house for Christmas dinner. The chemistry there is real because, well, they grew up together in Wilmette, Illinois. There’s a shorthand between them that you can't fake. John’s role is the emotional anchor of that subplot. He represents the life Frank could have had if he wasn't a corporate monster.
It’s probably his most visible role to the general public today, even if people don’t realize they’re looking at the real-life brother. If you rewatch it tonight, pay attention to the way they trade barbs. It’s pure Murray.
The Deep Cuts and Cameos
Beyond the big titles, the list of john murray movies and tv shows is actually surprisingly eclectic. He wasn't just chasing the spotlight; he was working.
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- Caddyshack (1980): This was the beginning. John started out as a production assistant and had a small role as a caddy. It was a family business from the start.
- They All Laughed (1981): He worked with Peter Bogdanovich. That’s a massive credit for any actor. He played the "Foley Square Guy," a small bit, but in a film that is now considered a cult masterpiece of romantic comedy.
- Elf (2003): Fast forward a couple of decades. John shows up as the man in the elevator. It’s a blink-and-you’ll-miss-it cameo, but it’s a nice nod to his longevity in the industry.
- The Sweet Spot (2002): This was a short-lived Comedy Central show where the four Murray brothers (Bill, Brian, Joel, and John) traveled around playing golf. It’s essentially a home movie with a budget. If you can find clips of it, it’s the best way to see the "real" John—the guy who’s just hanging out with his siblings, making jokes that only they understand.
The Actor-Writer Hybrid
A lot of people don't realize John is also a writer and producer. He’s got credits on projects like The New Show (a short-lived Lorne Michaels venture) and has worked behind the scenes on various documentaries and short films. In fact, he won an Indie Film Festival Award for Best Short Film.
This is where the distinction between the "Movie Star" and the "Working Creative" happens. John seems to have found a lot of peace in the "Working Creative" camp. While Joel found huge success in prestige TV like Mad Men and Bill became an Oscar-nominated icon, John took a path that allowed for more anonymity. He’s done voice work, appeared in indies like A Darker Reality (2008), and even popped up in horror films like Bethany (2017).
What Most People Get Wrong About Him
The biggest misconception is that John "failed" because he didn't become as famous as Bill. That's a weird way to look at a career that spans four decades and includes working with directors like Bogdanovich and Richard Donner.
Acting is a tough racket. Being the brother of one of the most famous men on Earth is even tougher. John carved out a niche as a character actor who could handle comedy and drama with equal ease. Whether he was playing a doctor, a quirky neighbor, or a sarcastic brother, he brought a groundedness to his roles that was uniquely his.
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If you want to truly appreciate the breadth of john murray movies and tv shows, you have to stop comparing him to his siblings. Look at him as a guy who thrived in the weird, experimental pockets of Hollywood. He represents that era of "The Character Actor" that we're slowly losing to CGI and big-budget franchises.
Actionable Insights for Murray Fans
If you're looking to dive into John Murray’s filmography, don't just stick to the hits. Here’s how to do it right:
- Watch Moving Violations first. It’s the purest distillation of his energy. It’s 80s cheese at its finest, but John makes it work.
- Look for the "Murray Sidelong Glance" in Scrooged. Once you see it, you’ll realize he and Bill have the exact same physical language.
- Track down The Sweet Spot. It’s the only time you get to see all the brothers interact without a script. It explains a lot about their shared sense of humor.
- Check out his indie work. Films like Tuscaloosa or A Darker Reality show a different side of him that isn't just "The Funny Brother."
John Murray might not be the name on the marquee every summer, but he's a vital part of a comedy dynasty that changed the way we laugh. He’s the guy who stayed in the game on his own terms. And honestly? That’s probably the most Murray thing of all.
For your next movie night, skip the blockbusters and find an old copy of Moving Violations. You'll see exactly what I mean.