Ryan Reynolds recently entertained a full house at the State Theatre in New Jersey with amusing tales of his attempts to enlist Bill Murray for a new John Candy documentary, which is directed by Colin Hanks. Reynolds, who is producing the film, was determined to track down the elusive Hollywood icon, who is known for his unconventional method of communication.
Unlike most celebrities, Murray does not have an agent or publicist. Instead, he uses a 1-800 number where callers can leave a two-minute voicemail pitch. After some effort, Reynolds secured the number and diligently left numerous messages. He humorously noted that leaving voicemails felt like contacting a “Greek shipping company.”
The persistence paid off as Murray eventually called back, albeit at an inconvenient moment when Reynolds was attending an event with his wife, Blake Lively. Despite the rushed circumstances, Murray agreed to collaborate on the documentary, responding warmly after receiving a charming video plea from Reynolds’ children.
The documentary, which showcases talents such as Steve Martin, Martin Short, Macaulay Culkin, Eugene Levy, and Catherine O’Hara, indicates Reynolds’ genuine commitment to honoring John Candy.
Murray’s unique communication style has become the stuff of legend. He has explained in the past that the 1-800 number is a practical solution to avoiding unwanted interruptions from industry agents, allowing him a degree of privacy and freedom in choosing which projects to engage with.
In the end, Reynolds’ humorous and heartfelt approach succeeded in adding yet another esteemed name to a project that promises to be a heartfelt tribute to a beloved comedic figure.