Picture this: a Hollywood legend whose star shone so brightly that even the radiant Marilyn Monroe couldn’t overshadow him. That’s the story of actor Don Murray, whose portrayal of a naïve Montana cowboy in "Bus Stop" captivated audiences and earned him an Academy Award nomination in 1956. But there’s so much more to Don’s story than just one iconic role.
In an exclusive chat with Closer, the 91-year-old actor reminisces about working alongside Marilyn. "Marilyn was incredibly kind to me," Don recalls. "She was a force of nature, and I still don’t understand why she wasn’t nominated for that role. Her talent was unmatched."
After making waves with "Bus Stop," Don continued to leave his mark on cinema with powerful performances in films like "A Hatful of Rain," "From Hell to Texas," "The Hoodlum Priest," and "Advise & Consent." His career took him to collaborations with legendary directors such as Franco Zeffirelli, Francis Ford Coppola, and David Lynch. Beyond the screen, Don’s passion for storytelling extended to writing and directing, a legacy he passed down to his five children—Christopher, Patricia, Coleen, Sean, and Mick—three of whom followed in his footsteps in the entertainment world.
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Don also made a lasting impression on TV audiences as Sid Fairgate in "Knots Landing." When Sid met an unexpected demise at the start of season 3, fans were left reeling. Keep scrolling for Closer Weekly’s exclusive Q&A with Don Murray!
Did Acting Always Feel Like Destiny?
From the moment Don Murray entered the world, the stage seemed to call his name. "My mom was a Ziegfeld girl, and my dad worked in Hollywood as a dance director when I was born," he shares. "By the time I was 4, I was performing in a musical where I kissed a pretty girl, and the audience loved it. How could I not want to spend my life doing something that brought so much joy to others?"
Early Days at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts
After high school, Don found himself rubbing shoulders with future legends at the American Academy of Dramatic Arts. Among them was the elegant Grace Kelly, who was a year behind him, and his lifelong friend Jason Robards. "Jason and I became incredibly close," Don reflects. "Our friendship lasted until his passing in 2000."
The Big Break on Broadway
Don’s theater career soared with his role in "The Rose Tattoo" alongside Maureen Stapleton and Eli Wallach in 1951. But even big breaks come with unexpected twists. "On opening night, the wardrobe department sewed the zipper of my sailor pants on the outside!" Don laughs. "I had to grab another pair, but they were blindingly white under the stage lights. The director was furious, but what could I do? At least I got through it with my dignity intact."
