Which actor plays Herman Blume in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore?

Bill Murray plays Herman Blume in Wes Anderson’s Rushmore.

Blume is a wealthy industrialist whose personal life is troubled despite his business success. He becomes involved with Rosemary Cross, a first-grade teacher at Rushmore Academy, while also forming an unlikely friendship—and rivalry—with student Max Fischer.

Murray’s performance was a major turning point in his career. Instead of relying mainly on broad comedy, he played Blume as weary, melancholy, and emotionally guarded. The role earned Murray a Golden Globe nomination for Best Supporting Actor and helped establish his long-running creative partnership with Anderson.

Rushmore was released in 1998 and was Anderson’s second feature film. Its cast also includes Jason Schwartzman as Max Fischer, Olivia Williams as Rosemary Cross, and Seymour Cassel as Bert Fischer. A common mix-up is confusing Murray’s character here with Steve Zissou, the oceanographer he played in Anderson’s later The Life Aquatic with Steve Zissou.