"I find it quite ironic that the most dangerous thing about weed is getting caught with it” - Bill Murray
Bill Murray, the legendary comedian and actor, is known for his offbeat humor, deadpan delivery, and a life that often feels like one long, surreal improv sketch. But did you know that Murray’s life includes a chapter involving weed, a poorly timed joke, and a criminal record? Buckle up because this story is a wild ride.
We enjoyed digging into this tale, and here are three things we didn’t know about Bill Murray before we started:
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Bill Murray studied pre-med. Yes, the man who brought us Ghostbusters and Groundhog Day once dreamed of becoming a doctor.
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Even Bill Murray can make regrettable jokes. Case in point: the infamous “bomb” comment that landed him in hot water.
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Bill Murray has a criminal record. And it’s all thanks to a suitcase full of weed.
Let’s rewind to September 21, 1970, a date that forever changed Murray’s life. It was his 20th birthday, and he was celebrating with family in Chicago before preparing to return to Denver, where he was studying pre-med at Regis College. But what should have been a routine flight turned into a comedy of errors—albeit one with serious consequences.
The Infamous Airport Incident
While waiting to board his flight at O’Hare International Airport, Murray made a joke that would haunt him for years. In a moment of misguided humor, he quipped to a fellow passenger that he had “two bombs” in his suitcase. The comment, meant to be lighthearted, quickly backfired. A ticket agent overheard and alerted U.S. marshals, who promptly descended on Murray.
When they searched his luggage, they didn’t find bombs—but they did find five two-pound “bricks” of marijuana, valued at $20,000 (a small fortune in 1970 and even more today). Panicking, Murray tried to stash the weed in a locker, but Chicago vice cops arrived before he could pull it off. They confiscated his suitcase, and Murray was arrested on the spot.
In a move straight out of a slapstick comedy, Murray managed to swallow a check from one of his “customers” before the cops could seize it. He later claimed this act saved the person’s life and reputation. Whether that’s true or just another Murray tall tale, it’s a detail that adds to the absurdity of the story.
The Aftermath: Probation and Pre-Med Dreams Dashed
Murray was charged with marijuana possession and summoned to appear in narcotics court the next day. The bust made headlines, landing on the front page of the Chicago Tribune. As a first-time offender, Murray avoided jail time but was sentenced to five years of probation.
The incident also marked the end of his pre-med studies. Facing expulsion due to his criminal record, Murray withdrew from Regis College. It was a turning point in his life, steering him away from medicine and toward comedy—a career move that worked out pretty well for him (and for us).
Murray’s Comical Take on Weed
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Murray has always managed to find the humor in it. Over the years, he’s made light of the incident, often joking about the absurdity of getting busted for weed. His famous quote, “I find it quite ironic that the most dangerous thing about weed is getting caught with it,” perfectly encapsulates his laid-back, philosophical approach to life.
Murray’s sense of humor has also extended to his views on marijuana legalization. In interviews, he’s expressed support for legalization, often pointing out the hypocrisy of harsh drug laws. “It’s a plant,” he once said. “It grows in the ground. You don’t go to jail for having a tomato in your pocket.”
Did Ya Know?
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The “Caddyshack” Connection: Murray’s love of weed reportedly made its way onto the set of Caddyshack, where he improvised many of his iconic lines. Rumor has it that the infamous “Cinderella story” monologue was delivered while Murray was, shall we say, in a relaxed state of mind.
The Legacy of Murray’s Misadventure
While the airport incident could have derailed Murray’s life, it ultimately became just another chapter in his eccentric story. Instead of becoming a doctor, Murray became one of the most beloved comedians of all time, proving that sometimes, the best-laid plans go up in smoke—literally.
Murray’s story also serves as a reminder of the absurdity of marijuana laws in the 1970s. Getting caught with weed cost him his pre-med dreams, but it didn’t stop him from achieving greatness. Today, as attitudes toward cannabis continue to shift, Murray’s tale feels both cautionary and comical—a perfect reflection of the man himself.
That’s a Wrap!
Bill Murray’s brush with the law is a classic example of life imitating art. It’s a story filled with bad jokes, worse timing, and a surprising amount of resilience. And while Murray might not have become a doctor, he’s given us something even better: decades of laughter, unforgettable characters, and a reminder that sometimes, the most dangerous thing about weed really is getting caught with it.
So, the next time you watch Ghostbusters or Groundhog Day, take a moment to appreciate the man behind the magic—a man who turned a criminal record into comedy gold. As Murray himself might say, “It’s hard to be funny when you have to be clean.” And thank goodness he didn’t stay clean for long.