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SPHINCTER BOY: Noah Vanderhoff (Brian Doyle-Murray) is blissfully unaware of what Wayne Campbell (Mike Myers) is saying about him |
We like to imagine that somewhere there exists an Elks-Club-like organization of the slightly-less-famous brothers of celebrities; where guys like Clint Howard, Casey Affleck, Eric Roberts, and three of the Baldwins all hang out, drink beer, play table tennis, poker, pool, darts, and Madden football on a sweet plasma screen television. And in our imagined secret society, Brian Doyle-Murray, the older, less-famous brother of Bill Murray, is a ranking official, who gets privileges to do things like give Frank Stallone a dead-leg whenever he wants.
As befits any celebrity’s brother, Brian gets a lot of work in the films of Bill Murray. Fair enough. But Bill’s “break” from films won’t mean the end of the BD-M, as you’ll see. Come on, his brother’s movies aren’t his only source of income.
1. Noah Vanderhoff
Wayne’s World (1992)
Vanderhoff is the owner of Noah’s Arcade, the sponsor of the new “Wayne’s World” show, shot in a studio. Wayne has to interview him, and subtly claims to “have proof” that he “blows goats.” Did you know Vanderhoff does his own commercials? He’s got this one where he “raps:” “Come bust a move where the games are played, it’s fresh, it’s jive, it’s Noah’s Arcade!”
2. Buster Green
Groundhog Day (1993)
He’s the mayor of Punxsutawney, who presides over the Groundhog Day ceremony. Over and over again.
3. Lou Loomis
Caddyshack (1980)
He’s the caddies’ (including Danny Noonan) boss. He also co-wrote the movie, which millions of fans thank him for. We always thought it was overrated, though. Sorry.
4. Various
Saturday Night Live (1979-1980; 1981-1982)
Okay, so work as a featured player on SNL should maybe disqualify you for “That Guy” status. But since the Ebersol years have vanished from syndication, his stint at the “Weekend Update” anchor desk is all but forgotten. Ebersol did not make “Update” a priority like Lorne Michaels did.
5. Earl Cross
Scrooged (1988)
Frank Cross – played by Bill Murray – goes back and witnesses a formative moment from his childhood, when his father tries to toughen him up, explaining himself with this little monologue: “All day long I listen to people give me excuses why they can't work. My legs hurt. My back aches. I'm only four. The sooner he learns life isn't handed to him on a silver platter, the better.” Brian Doyle-Murray played his brother’s father here. Two other Murray brothers (Joel and John) also appear in the movie.
6. Reverend
Sixteen Candles (1984)
Hey, someone had to play the straight man during Molly Ringwald’s sister’s wedding scene.
7. Mel Sanger
Seinfeld (1992)
He’s the father of the Bubble Boy. No elaboration necessary.
8. Mr. Frank Shirley
National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)
In Vacation he only plays a motel clerk, but here he gets to be Chevy Chase’s bonus-withholding boss. Clark ends up with a membership to the jelly-of-the-month club.
9. Red Savage
Waiting for Guffman (1997)
He’s the father of the young, handsome mechanic that Corky St. Clair (Christopher Guest) insists appear in the play. Needless to say, Red is more than a little suspicious of Corky’s motives.
10. The Flying Dutchman
Spongebob Squarepants (1999-2005)
He’s the voice of the pirate ghost who haunts Bikini Bottoms.
