'What a sad day': Tributes pour in as Oscar-nominated 'Bus Stop' actor Don Murray dies at 94

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Donald Patrick Murray, popularly known as Don Murray, died on Friday, February 2, at 94. 

The Oscar-nominated star's death was confirmed by his son, Christopher, as reported by The New York Times.

Don Murray's cause of death wasn't revealed

While Murray's son, Christopher, confirmed the news of his death, he provided no further details.

In the 1956 film, 'Bus Stop', Murray starred as Beauregard "Beau" Decker, a loud-mouth cowboy smitten with Marilyn Monroe's character, Cherie. The role earned him a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor. 

Other notable works of Murray include 'The Bachelor Party', 'Advise & Consent', 'Conquest of the Planet of the Apes', and 'Knots Landing', among others. 

The actor was well-known for working in films that addressed social issues, playing the roles of a priest, a drug addict, and even a gay senator.

In 1961, Cue magazine wrote, "Don has become identified with what might be called social significance and 'appeal to reason' film dramas." 

It added, "He won’t play in a drama that glamorizes evil or glorifies violence. 'I’m no nut on that,' he says, 'my pictures don’t have to carry a message — but they do have to say something'." 

Internet pays tribute to the 'cinematic legend' Don Murray

Soon after the news of Murray's death surfaced, fans and netizens poured in with tributes, remembering his significance in the entertainment industry. 

One wrote, "Don Murray, a cinematic legend, brought depth to roles, tackling societal issues with a lasting impact," and another said, "What a sad day this is. Just learned that Don Murray has died at the age of 94." 

A person shared, "RIP Don Murray. I know his son Sean, who told me that when his dad played the neofascist Governor Breck in CONQUEST FOR THE PLANET OF THE APES (1972), he would run his lines in German. The contrast of a committed pacifist playing a despot gave the character genuine complexity."

"RIP Don Murray, 94. He was Marilyn Monroe's last surviving leading man and an excellent actor. Check out ‘Advise & Consent,’ in which he played gay (more than 60 years ago) without flinching. 70-year career," expressed someone else. 

A fan mentioned, "Goodbye to the absolutely legendary Don Murray. One of the kindest people I ever had the pleasure of meeting. Shout-out to @ericjedelstein for throwing him an amazing 90th birthday celebration. It was very clear how much all the love that night meant to Don!!!" 

"I’m despondent to learn of Don Murray’s passing. He was the first star to write me a letter after I wrote him in admiration for his roles in ADVISE AND CONSENT and BUS STOP. He told me I reminded him of his granddaughter and asked me to catch ADVISE AND CONSENT for him on @tcm," said one more, remembering Murray.

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