Jennifer Butler was a renowned costume designer who worked on many famous projects, such as “Groundhog Day”, “Firestarter”, and “The Last of the Mohicans”. She was also the ex-wife of actor and comedian Bill Murray, with whom she had four sons. Sadly, Butler passed away on January 19, 2021, at the age of 57. Her cause of death was never revealed to the public, sparking curiosity and speculation among fans and media outlets. In this article, we will explore some of the possible reasons behind Jennifer Butler’s cause of death and the details of her tumultuous marriage with Murray.
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Jennifer Butler’s Career and Achievements
Jennifer Butler was born on October 11, 1963, in Los Angeles, California. She had a passion for fashion and design since she was a child. She attended the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising in Los Angeles and graduated in 1985. She then started working as a costume designer for various film and television projects. Some of her most notable works include:
- “Groundhog Day” (1993), a comedy film starring Bill Murray as a weatherman who relives the same day over and over again.
- “Firestarter” (1984), a horror film based on Stephen King’s novel of the same name, starring Drew Barrymore as a young girl with pyrokinetic abilities.
- “The Last of the Mohicans” (1992), a historical drama film based on James Fenimore Cooper’s novel of the same name, starring Daniel Day-Lewis as a frontiersman during the French and Indian War.
Butler also worked on other films such as “The Razor’s Edge” (1984), “Scrooged” (1988), “Mad Dog and Glory” (1993), “Ed Wood” (1994), “Wild Things” (1998), and “Rushmore” (1998). She was nominated for two Costume Designers Guild Awards for her work on “Ed Wood” and “Rushmore”.
Butler was also known for her personal style and collection of vintage clothing. She had a fondness for Levi’s overalls, which she wore in various colors and patterns. She was also crowned as Ms. Red Hot Chili Pepper in 1989, after winning a contest organized by the rock band.
Jennifer Butler’s Marriage and Divorce with Bill Murray
Jennifer Butler met Bill Murray on the set of “Scrooged”, where she was working as a costume designer. Murray was married to his first wife, Margaret Kelly, at the time, but he had an affair with Butler. He divorced Kelly in 1996 and married Butler in 1997. They had four sons together: Caleb, Jackson, Cooper, and Lincoln.
However, their marriage was not a happy one. Butler filed for divorce in May 2008, citing irreconcilable differences. She also accused Murray of domestic violence, infidelity, drug addiction, and verbal abuse. She claimed that he hit her in the face several times, abandoned her and their children, had affairs with other women, and threatened to kill her. She also said that he was addicted to marijuana, alcohol, and sex.
Butler requested a restraining order against Murray, as well as the primary custody of their children and two of their homes. She also asked for $7 million in alimony, as per their prenuptial agreement. The divorce was finalized in June 2008, with Butler getting what she asked for.
Murray did not comment publicly on the allegations or the divorce. He later said that he regretted ending his marriage with Kelly and that he was not proud of his behavior. He also said that he tried to be a good father to his children and that he still loved them.
Jennifer Butler’s Cause of Death: What Happened to Her?
Jennifer Butler passed away on January 19, 2021, on Sullivan’s Island, South Carolina. Her cause of death was never disclosed by her family or friends. She was survived by her four sons, her mother, her sister, and her nieces and nephews.
Her obituary described her as a “proud, squeaky wheel who fought the system and flaunted her nonconformity”. It also said that she loved animals, nature, music, art, and traveling. It stated that she was “a force to be reckoned with” and that she “lived life on her own terms”.
There are many theories and rumors about Jennifer Butler’s cause of death on Reddit and other online platforms. Some people speculate that she died of natural causes, such as a heart attack or a stroke. Others suggest that she committed suicide or overdosed on drugs or alcohol. Some even claim that she was murdered by someone who had a grudge against her or Murray.
However, none of these theories have been confirmed or verified by any credible sources. Therefore, they should be taken with a grain of salt. The truth is that Jennifer Butler’s cause of death remains a mystery, and it is unlikely that it will ever be revealed to the public. The only thing that is certain is that she left behind a legacy of creativity, courage, and controversy.
