Oscar nominee Don Murray, who played Marilyn Monroe’s love interest, dies aged 94
Posted by  badge Boss on Feb 03
Bus Stop actor Don Murray has died aged 94 (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)

Actor Don Murray has died at age 94.

The star’s son Christopher confirmed the sad news to the  but did not share any further details.

Murray is arguably best known for his role in the 1956 Western film Bus Stop.

Despite being his first-ever movie role, the project saw Murray star alongside, who was Marilyn Monroe his love interest.

It also earned him an Oscar nomination.

Following this, the actor starred in the likes of A Hatful of Rain (1957), The Hoodlum Priest (1961), and Advise & Consent (1962).

His role as Marilyn Monroe’s love interest earned him an Oscar nomination (Picture: Moviestore/Shutterstock)
His son confirmed his death, but did not share details (Picture: Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images)

Having been a conscientious objector during the Korean War, Murray fulfilled his service obligation by working in German and Italian refugee camps.

Subsequently, he acquired a reputation for appearing in what were known as ‘message’ movies, which had socially responsible themes.

For example, in A Hatful of Rain, he played a morphine-addicted war veteran.

In Advise & Consent, he played a closeted gay senator who was being blackmailed.

His acting CV also included Baby the Rain Must Fall, Conquest of the Planet of the Apes, and Peggy Sue Got Married.

Alongside his film work, Murray enjoyed a bustling TV career.

One of his most notable roles on the small screen was on Knot’s Landing (1979–1981), while he also starred alongside Otis Young in the short-lived Western series The Outcasts.

The actor appeared in countless TV shows, movies, and Broadway shows in his time (Picture: Showtime Networks Inc/Everett/Shutterstock)

Far from a one-trick pony, Murray had success on the stage as well.

His career began after the late star made his Broadway debut in 1951 in Tennessee Williams’ The Rose Tattoo.

He would return to the stage in 1955’s The Skin of Our Teeth, which ultimately secured him a role in Bus Stop after he caught the director’s eye. 

Over the next 20 years, Murray returned to Broadway several times, starring in plays such as Same Time, Next Year, and The Norman Conquests trilogy.

With regards to his personal life, Murray was married twice; firstly to Hope Lange from 1956 until 1961, and then to Bettie Johnson, whom he wed in 1962.