Margaret Qualley, known for her role in The Substance and daughter of actress Andie MacDowell, revealed she is playfully trying to matchmake Bill Murray and her mother. On The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon Thursday, the 30-year-old shared her plans to bring the two Hollywood veterans together, citing intriguing connections between them that have sparked her matchmaking mission.
Qualley explained she noticed several shared factors between Murray and MacDowell, both living in Charleston and having spirited personalities.
“I’m putting two and two together,”
she said, recalling her backstage encounter with Murray.
“He’s living in Charleston. My mom’s living in Charleston. They’ve got this kind of rage towards each other, but maybe he’s trying to make amends. She’s single, he’s single. They’re both crazy. Let’s get it together!”
Their Shared History: An Unlikely Relationship Beginning on ‘Groundhog Day’
Bill Murray, aged 74, and Andie MacDowell, 67, first met nearly 30 years ago while filming the iconic 1993 movie Groundhog Day. MacDowell portrayed news producer Rita Hanson, while Murray starred as sarcastic weatherman Phil Connors. Despite their memorable roles together, Qualley revealed that their on-set relationship was somewhat tense at times.
Recalling Murray’s admission, Qualley shared he once said,
“didn’t get along so well while we were making that movie.”
She laughed recounting Murray teasing her mother for taking extra time on her hair and sometimes missing lines. However, Qualley noted that her mother’s perspective on that period might be different, implying some behind-the-scenes complexities.
Although their original dynamic was complicated, Qualley believes the timing could now be ideal for a fresh start.
“I said to circle back and get my number if he wants to connect with my mom. And, you know, if he’s got any sense at all, he’d be the luckiest guy in the world!”
she said enthusiastically.
Andie MacDowell’s Single Life and Openness to New Connections
Andie MacDowell, mother to Margaret and two other children, Justin and Rainey, has spoken candidly about her experience with singlehood. During a 2024 interview on The Drew Barrymore Show, MacDowell reflected on her contentment with being single while remaining open to the adventures of dating.
“I do think that there is nothing wrong with being single, really. I have great female friends and I have some male friends that I like too,”
she shared, showing a balanced outlook on companionship in her 60s. In 2023, MacDowell relocated back to her native South Carolina after her children left home, aligning her residence with Murray’s in Charleston, placing the prospective couple in close proximity.
Bill Murray’s Unique Persona and Potential for a New Chapter
Bill Murray is celebrated as a Hollywood icon, known for classics like Ghostbusters, Caddyshack, Lost in Translation, and, of course, Groundhog Day. His offbeat humor and unpredictable nature have made him a cherished but sometimes challenging actor. Qualley suggested that Murray’s eccentric side might actually make him an ideal partner for MacDowell’s similarly lively spirit.
With both stars now sharing Charleston as their home, Qualley expressed optimism about their romantic potential. “Time to set them up,” she told Fallon, hinting that fans might soon witness an unexpected Hollywood romance blossoming between two of the industry’s beloved figures.
While it remains uncertain if Bill Murray will accept the invitation to reconnect, Margaret Qualley’s matchmaking efforts have sparked excitement about the possibility of a new love story between these longtime Hollywood names. This connection could mark a surprising yet delightful chapter for both stars and their admirers.
