Bill Murray's Favorite Co-Star Is From A Forgotten '90s Comedy With 11% RT Score (& It's A Surprising Pick)

Legendary actor Bill Murray has collaborated with countless actors over his storied career, but his favorite co-star is an unexpected choice. From Ghostbusters (1984) to Lost In Translation (2003), Murray has worked alongside industry icons, cementing his place as one of Hollywood’s most versatile actors. However, his selection as a standout partner veers away from the usual suspects and leans into something far more unique.

Murray has maintained an impressively long career, always managing to stay relevant in whatever decade he is working. The ’90s saw Murray appearing in all-time classics like Groundhog Day, Rushmore, What About Bob?, and Ed Wood. It also featured some movies that have not held up as well, like Space Jam. However, Murray’s favorite co-star came from a poorly received comedy.

Murray’s Favorite Co-Star Was An Elephant From Larger Than Life

Murray & Tai Formed An Endearing Bond

The co-star in question comes from the mid-90s road movie Larger Than Life which pushed Murray outside his typical roles. While the film itself didn’t achieve widespread acclaim, earning a measly score of 11% on Rotten Tomatoes, its heartwarming premise paired Murray with a companion unlike any other he’d worked with before.

During an interview on New Heights podcast (via YouTube), Murray names Tai, the Asian elephant as his favorite co-star. In the movie, Murray plays a motivational speaker who unexpectedly inherits an elephant, Vera, who Tai portrays. Together, they embark on a cross-country journey to find a new home for the elephant. Murray elaborated on why Tai was his favorite, noting that she was equal parts beautiful and intelligent. Despite the film’s lackluster reception, Murray’s connection with Tai was unique. The bond between the actor and the elephant became the most memorable aspect of the movie.

Until now, they said, ‘Who’s your favorite costar?’ I always say Tai. I did a movie called Larger Than Life, and I inherited an elephant. And they say, why, ‘who’s your favorite lady costar?’ I say, Tai. And they say, ‘why?’ And I said, because she was the prettiest. She really was, she was extraordinarily beautiful. And she was the smartest, she was supremely intelligent, and it’s the only one I cried over when I left. I cried like a baby. I gave her a bath with a hose, and it was really emotional, ’cause I’d realized I’d never have anything like that ever again.

Our Take On Murray’s Favorite Co-Star

Murray Can Build On-Screen Chemistry With Any Species

Murray’s unexpected connection with Tai is an interesting aspect of his career. Known for his ability to thrive in eccentric roles, Murray has always been willing to take on the unusual, whether it’s a quirky character or an animal co-star.

Bill Murray holding a bowling ball in Kingpin

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Without a doubt, his genuine interaction with Tai speaks to Murray’s skill at building on-screen chemistry, regardless of what species he is working with. His partnership with Tai is a reminder that Murray can elevate any film, making even the most unconventional pairings seem natural and memorable. His commitment to creating real relationships, even in less-than-perfect films, reflects his long-standing impact on the film industry.

This experience also reinforces why Murray remains relevant. While Murray’s best roles have defined his place in Hollywood, he can adapt to any scenario, no matter how peculiar, that continues to set him apart from other performers. Larger Than Life shows he’s an actor who remains unpredictable and committed, making him one of the most enduring talents in the film industry.

Source: New Heights (via YouTube)