Bill Murray disclosed that during the filming of the iconic movie Groundhog Day, he was bitten twice by a groundhog while shooting a key scene. This incident, which occurred more than thirty years ago, highlights the unpredictable nature of movie sets at the time and remains a memorable moment linked to the actor’s experience on set.
The Unexpected Hazard During Groundhog Day Filming
When Groundhog Day was filmed, Hollywood lacked many of the safety protocols and professional measures found on sets today, such as intimacy coordinators and extensive stunt teams. Murray, who was already a major star after his work on Saturday Night Live, faced an unusual challenge when the groundhog used in a scene bit him twice on consecutive days. The incident happened during a driving shot where Murray was holding the animal, and the groundhog’s bite punctured his gloves and injured his finger.
Details of the Bites and Murray’s Reaction
Murray explained the situation during an interview on Hot Ones, revealing that the first bite tore through his glove, and trying to protect himself the next day by wearing steel fisherman’s gloves under regular gloves did not help, as the groundhog’s teeth penetrated even the reinforced layers. This persistent injury frustrated him deeply and led him to confront the animal trainers on set.
“He got me back-to-back, two days in a row. The second day I was cheating, or I thought I was being smart, and I put some fisherman’s gloves, like steel gloves on, underneath the gloves I was wearing. His teeth went right through the steel.” – Bill Murray, Actor
Groundhog’s Lack of Training Adds to the Challenge
Upon questioning the animal wranglers, Murray learned that the groundhog was wild and not specially trained for filming. The trainers, described as a female couple, admitted that the animal had been caught in a nearby field just weeks earlier, rather than raised or conditioned for the set. This revelation compounded Murray’s frustration over being bitten twice during the shoot and raised concerns about how unpredictable the animal’s behavior could be.
“I got upset with the animal wrangler. I said ‘who the hell trained this gopher?’… The two of them, they were like a gal and gal couple, they looked at each other and (said), ‘well, he’s wild… We caught him over that way, over by that field, we caught him there like two weeks ago.’” – Bill Murray, Actor
Reflecting on Groundhog Day’s Enduring Legacy
More than three decades after its release, Groundhog Day remains culturally significant and is frequently revisited by audiences each year, especially around the holiday associated with the film’s title. The movie is credited with inspiring numerous time-loop themed stories in cinema, boosting its long-lasting relevance and appeal. Its connection to a specific annual event further cements its unique place in pop culture, much like how holiday-themed films associated with Christmas and Thanksgiving continue to be perennial favorites.
Murray’s Lasting Reminder of the Incident
Despite the discomfort caused by being bitten, Murray still bears a nodule on his hand from the groundhog’s bite. This permanent mark serves as a tangible reminder of the challenging production conditions and the unpredictable elements that shaped one of his most beloved movies. Though the shoot was difficult for various reasons, including the groundhog incident, the film’s continuing popularity offers a meaningful legacy that remains important to Murray and fans alike.
