Bill Murray Trades Hollywood for the Stage and a Basque Country Welcome
Meta Description: At 74, Bill Murray continues his prolific career with a stage tour of Spain, highlighted by a memorable visit to Athletic Club de Bilbao.
Bill Murray, the iconic American actor known for decades of memorable film roles, is proving that retirement is not in his vocabulary. At 74, Murray is actively pursuing a new chapter in his career, captivating audiences on stage across Spain. His journey, which began in May with a performance in Barcelona, has taken him to Madrid, Tenerife, and most recently, Bilbao.
A New Stage for a Hollywood Legend
Murray’s current project involves the show “New Worlds,” presented by the Canarian company Veranos del Taoro, with a performance held on June 21st in Barcelona. He is accompanied on this tour by a talented ensemble including German cellist Jan Vogler, violinist and pianist Look Wang, and Vanessa Pérez. The tour represents a shift for the actor, demonstrating his continued artistic exploration beyond the confines of the big screen.
An Unexpected Visit to Athletic Club de Bilbao
While enjoying his time in Bilbao, Murray made a particularly noteworthy stop: a visit to the facilities of Athletic Club de Bilbao, at the invitation of the club itself. The visit quickly became a talking point, capturing the attention of fans and media alike.
The club shared a video on social media showcasing Murray sporting the rojiblanca shirt of the Basque team and engaging in animated conversation with José Ángel ‘El Txopo’ Iribar, a legendary figure who defended the Athletic goal for 18 seasons. Iribar, 82, remains a deeply respected icon in the history of Athletic Club de Bilbao.
A Comedic Exchange with a Basque Icon
“The biggest moment of my visit to Bilbao is to see the stadium, but more especially, meet this man,” Murray expressed in the video, delivering his lines in carefully considered Spanish, directed towards Iribar.
Iribar responded in English, stating, “Hello Bill. Thank you very much.” Murray, never one to resist a comedic opportunity, continued, “If possible, me I would accept a Basque blood donation, thus it would be possible for me to play here,” referencing Athletic Club’s unique policy of fielding players either born in the Basque Country or developed through its local youth system. He playfully added, “Many of us have a negative RH,” acknowledging the blood type requirement often associated with the club’s player selection.
The encounter culminated in both Murray and Iribar jointly proclaiming the traditional rallying cry of the Bilbao team: “¡Aupa Athletic!” – a powerful display of camaraderie and a memorable moment for both the actor and the club.
This unexpected detour into the world of Basque football underscores Bill Murray’s penchant for embracing spontaneous experiences and connecting with local culture, proving that his adventurous spirit remains as vibrant as ever.
