For WKMG reporter Shaun Chaiyabhat, Groundhog Day is less about Punxsutawney Phil and more about Bill Murray.
The Orlando Sentinel’s Hal Boedeker reports Chaiyabhat had a part in the 1993 movie in which Bill Murray played a man destined to repeat February 2nd until he learns to stop being an a-hole. Chaiyabhat played the role of the kid who never thanked Murray for saving him after he fell from a tree over and over again. Click here to watch the scene.
“The role of Boy In Tree required a child who was able to do the stunt. The movie’s stunt coordinator held tryouts at the gym where I was training as a gymnast, and I won the part.
Advertisement“On set, Bill Murray was so kind. I had never been involved in anything like that before. After a long day of filming, he still took the time to show me around and invite me into his trailer for soda and snacks.
“After filming, [director] Harold Ramis sent his limo driver to my house. He delivered one of he biggest Christmas gifts I ever got as a child. It was a train set.
Chaiyabhat isn’t destined to repeat his days at the Orlando CBS affiliate. He’s leaving for Boston’s WCVB on Feb. 18.