Geena Davis is a celebrated actress who has starred in some of the most iconic films of our time. From her Academy Award-winning performance in The Accidental Tourist to her memorable roles in A League of Their Own and Quick Change, Davis has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. Recently, Davis has been using her platform to share stories of inappropriate behavior she experienced while working with Bill Murray on Quick Change. This includes an incident where he allegedly insisted on using a personal massager for her in a hotel room, as well as an incident of him harassing and humiliating her on set. These stories are just the latest example of Davis’ strength and life experience, which she shares in her new memoir, Dying of Politeness.
Davis’ stories have sparked a conversation about what is and isn’t appropriate in the workplace, particularly in light of the #MeToo movement and the countless people, including celebrities, who have shared their stories. As a result, Bill Murray has not responded to Davis’ allegations of abuse, though other figures have made statements about his behavior on set. His recent payment of $100,000 to a production assistant after standing in for her on the set of Aziz Ansari’s Being Mortal has also been noted.
In the end, Geena Davis’ book Dying of Politeness is sure to offer an enlightening look at her experiences in the entertainment industry, and is linked to three upcoming film projects. It’s an important reminder that we must all be aware of our behavior in the workplace, and that we must all take responsibility for our actions.
In the past few years, there has been a lot of talk about what is appropriate in the workplace, including the filming of movies and TV shows. The #Me too the movement has inspired countless people, including celebrities, to share their stories. Including actress Geena Davis, who shared some of the unpleasant experiences she had with Ghostbusters’ Bill Murray while working on ’90s Quick Change. And the ‘A League of Their Own’ icon recently shared further information about the ‘inappropriate’ interaction with Murray at the time.
Geena Davis has definitely been using her platform lately, offering a behind-the-scenes look thanks to her new memoir, Die of Politeness (opens in new tab). Back in October, she shared some “terrible” experiences, including when he insisted on using a personal massager for her in a hotel room. She recently recorded a podcast, On with Kara Swisher (opens in a new tab), where she shared a more detailed account of this incident. In his own words, Davis said:
I went to meet Bill Murray and his co-director and producer in a hotel room. And I went in and went to sit with all those sitting there. But Bill Murray popped up and said, “Hey, have you ever tried a tamper?” And I was like, “What? What is? “Well, try it.” – No no no. “Lie down here.” I want to try it on you. I’m like, “No, no, no, thank you.” And he continues. And I keep saying no to the point where I have to yell at him, “Stop asking me! I don’t do that. Do you understand?” Which I was too shy to do. So I sat on the corner of the bed and let him do it, and he did it for about a second and then he didn’t ask me if I liked it or anything. So I realized that is just to see if it can make me do something inappropriate.
It certainly sounds like a harrowing experience for Geena Davis at the time. Besides the fact that Bill Murray was allegedly so strong with a personal massager, the fact that the incident happened in a hotel room is even more disturbing. A number of #MeToo stories revolve around women being invited to the apartments of influential figures for “dates,” including Harvey Weinstein. So even though Davis is a celebrity, she seems to have experiences similar to those who are not public figures.
Geena Davis the comments on this podcast are just the latest example that she really has her strength and her life experience. Her book is called “Dying of Politeness” and tells about many times when she couldn’t always stand up for herself. This included a number of different experiences with Bill Murray on set and promoting Quick Change. After all, it was difficult for women at that time to stand their ground.
Later in the same interview during On with Cara Swisher, Geena Davis shared a different experience with Bill Murray on Quick Change. This time it’s not about him being with her physically, it’s about him harassing and humiliating her on set. She offered new details about the story, saying:
We shot a huge scene on a Manhattan intersection with hundreds of extras, giant crew and all. And they said, “We’re ready for you to come on set.” And I said, “Well, the suits asked me to wait here for a second. Can I do it or come with you?” A few seconds later, Bill Murray—in full clown costume, by the way—barges into the trailer with anger pouring out of his eyes and starts yelling and cursing at me : “Get away from there! what the hell are you doing step! Move!” And he stood behind me and shouted in my ear, “Move! Move faster! Move!” And we get to the intersection where hundreds of people are watching him, and he goes on and on until he says, “Stand there,” points to a sign on the sidewalk, and starts shooting. Talking about that actually, it’s still – it’s very emotional for me because I was so ashamed, you know, of somebody who wants to do everything right. You know?
Tell us about the grueling work day. Yelling at someone is difficult for most people, let alone a powerful celebrity like Bill Murray. So it makes sense that this would be a story she would never forget, even after so many years. Also, this is due to the earlier personal massager.
In turn, Bill Murray did not respond to Geena Davis’ allegations of abuse during and after Quick Change. Although other figures have made other statements about his behavior on set, including Lucy Liu and Chevy Chase. He also recently paid a production assistant $100,000 after standing in for her on the set of Aziz Ansari’s Being Mortal. Production on the film was halted in April 2022 and has not resumed.
Geena Davis the book To Die of Politeness is now available and is linked to three upcoming film projects. In the meantime, check out the 2023 movie release dates to plan your next movie.
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