MacMurray was born on August 30, 1908 in Kankakee, Illinois. He studied at Carroll University. MacMurray was married to Lillian Lamont from 1936 until her death in 1953. He was married to June Haver from 1954 until his death in 1991. MacMurray had four adopted children. MacMurray died on November 5, 1991 in Santa Monica, California from pneumonia, aged 83.