Bill Murray Explains Why He Created a Secret 1-800 Number to Be Reached About Roles

Bill Murray has become a mystical character in pop culture.  With no agent nor manager, the elusive Murray assesses most roles that come his way through a 1-800 number – which he created years ago.

In a recent interview with IndieWire, the actor explained that he created the number — which is not listed, and only passed around through word of mouth — to keep Hollywood agents off his back.

“I had a house phone, and it would just ring and ring,” Murray said. “Finally, I’d pick up the phone and I’d say, ‘Who in the fuck is calling me and letting my phone ring like that?’ The agent would say, ‘Oh, I’m sorry, I’m calling for so-and-so.’ I’d say, ‘Look, you can’t do this. This is my house. If I don’t answer the phone, don’t do that because you’re making me not like you.’”

So, he decided one more step was necessary.  “I just unplugged the phone and then I got this 800 number, which is very handy,” he said.

Filmmakers who happen to get their hands on that mysterious 1-800 number shouldn’t expect any timeline for hearing back from the actor, or assume he’ll ever bother at all. “It’s not like at 11 o’clock it’s time to check the messages,” he said.  “Sometimes I go days or weeks. Sorry I’m busy living.”  He shrugged.