Bill Murray pretends he is retired so directors and fans leave him alone. The 'Lost In Translation' star says he was inspired to lie about his work status by rapper Jay-Z, who although claims he is 'retired' is still performing and recording new tracks.

He revealed in an interview with Associated Press: "I tell people I'm retired. I kind of like this Jay-Z thing, where he's retired, but he keeps doing shows. If you say you're retired, people don't bother you so much, and then if you want to do something, you can do it."

Murray - who has starred in a host of hit films, including 'Ghostbusters', 'Caddyshack' and 'Stripes' - also blames his own laziness for wanting to stay out of the limelight. The 55-year-old actor explained: "I made several movies in a row. I made one, 'Lost In Translation', where I was gone for five-and-a-half months. It takes a toll. I'm basically lazy. I work really hard when I work, but I try to avoid work."

However, if Bill does make a comeback he wants to be on the other side of the camera - directing. He revealed: "I seem to know enough about it to do it."

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