Bill Murray’s brother, Caddyshack inspiration has died

Ed Murray, Bill Murray’s oldest brother and the inspiration for the film Caddyshack has died.

Ed, the oldest of the Murray boys, was born in Evanston, Illinois, to Lucille, a mail-room clerk, and Edward Joseph Murray II, a lumber salesman. The family lived in Wilmette, Illinois.

Murray and his eight siblings were raised in an Irish-Catholic family. Murray’s paternal grandfather was from County Cork, while his maternal ancestors were from County Galway. Four of his siblings, Bill, John Murray, Joel Murray, and Brian Doyle-Murray, are actors. His sister, Nancy, an Adrian Dominican nun in Michigan, has traveled the United States in a one-woman program, portraying Catherine of Siena.

An avid golfer, Ed was the inspiration for the film Caddyshack and the family business that encourages people to “Golf like a Murray” infusing the game with energy and a little irreverence, while still respecting the game.


In a lengthy Instagram post by the Murray family, their brother Ed was remembered as “a true family man and a gentle, sweet soul.”


It’s with the heaviest of hearts that we announce the passing of the legend Ed Murray.

Named after the family patriarch, it was Ed who introduced the Murray family to this wonderful game of golf—by way of caddying at Indian Hills Country Club—at the age of 10, no less. (They don’t make ‘em like that anymore.)

Ed was the recipient of the Evans Scholarship back in 1963, while attending Northwestern University—a scholarship awarded to golf caddies—a family storyline which served as inspiration for the Danny Noonan character in ‘Caddyshack’ when Brian Doyle-Murray co-wrote that iconic screenplay.

Ed and all five Murray brothers are members of the Caddie Hall of Fame, as well—something all the boys take pride in, as this game helped shape their lives.

It was an honor for all of us to get to know Ed and to spend time with him over the past half decade as we’ve built this brand with the Murray family—and his loss is a hole that will never be filled. 

Thank you for always being so gracious, Ed. Our hearts are with his lovely family.

Rest in paradise, to a true family man and a gentle, sweet soul. May we honor your memory from this day forward. 


Subscribe: Sign up for our FREE e-lert here.  Stay on top of the latest advertising, film, TV, entertainment and production news!