In addition to being hailed as one of the preeminent and hugely influential stand-up comedians of all time, Eddie Murphy is one of the most lucrative movie stars in the history of Hollywood. According to Box-Office Mojo, Murphy's films have grossed a collective $3.8 billion since 1982.
While proving to be one of the most popular and bankable movie stars throughout the 80s and mid-90s, Murphy hit a bit of a rough career patch at the turn of the century. Following a string of cinematic failures, Murphy returned to prominence following his Oscar-nominated turn in the 2006 film Dream Girls. With Coming 2 America set for release this December, it's time to learn a little more about Eddie Murphy.
Cinematic & Comedic Inspirations
Eddie Murphy's number one Dr. Strangelove, Murphy was inspired to perform several different impressions.
According to his Inside the Actor's Studio interview, Murphy has also cited Redd Foxx, Bill Cosby, and Robin Williams as comedic influences. He even personally paid for Foxx's funeral service in 1991.
Cast On SNL At Age 19
After his precocious standup routine at age 15 led Murphy to Saturday Night Live. He was 19 at the time.
According to the book Live From New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live, Murphy nearly missed out on the life-changing show. Producer Jean Doumanian preferred Robert Townsend to the 1980-81 cast. However, when Townsend failed to sign his contract and began delivering unfunny sketches, Murphy was given an opportunity and was cast as series regular after the fourth episode.
The Only SNL Member To Host While Still In Cast
Speaking of his SNL legacy, Murphy bears the distinction of being the only cast member in the history of the show to officially host while still a member of the cast.
The instance occurred on September 25, 1982. Murphy's 48 Hours costar Nick Nolte was slated to host SNL but fell ill and became unavailable at the last minute. Murphy stepped in and hosted the show before ultimately leaving the series in 1984. During his opening monologue, Murphy joked "Live from New York, it's The Eddie Murphy Show!"
Gigantic Trekkie
Believe it or not, Eddie Murphy is a huge Star Trek fan. In 1986, he was even offered a role as an astrophysicist and UFO-expert in Star Trek VI: The Voyage Home but was forced to bow out when a deal couldn't be reached. Gillian Taylor was cast in his stead.
Murphy's love of sci-fi series with his assistant, Angela (Halle Berry). Marcus shows off his vast Trekkie trivia as a way to woo Angela.
Proven To Be Mel B's Baby Daddy After DNA Test
Although he's managed to keep his personal life private for much of his career, Murphy can't shroud the fact he has 10 children with five different women. One of them required a DNA test for incontrovertible truth.
Following the divorce from his first wife Nicole Mitchell, Murphy began dating Spice Girl singer Mel B in 2006. After denying impregnating Mel B, a DNA test proved Murphy was in fact the biological father. Following the positive results, Murphy reconsidered and vowed to become part of baby Angel's life.
Recorded Two Top-100 Hit Singles
Those born in 1990 or later are likely to have no clue that Murphy released three R&B music albums in his career. He also recorded two singles that reached the Billboard Hot 100 singles charts.
Murphy's three albums include How Could it Be (1985), So Happy (1989), and Love's Alright (1993). His two hit singles include "Party All the Time" produced by Rick James, and "Put Your Mouth On Me." In 1993 Murphy cut a track with Michael Jackson called "Whatzupwitu" and in 2013 collaborated with Snoop Dog on the reggae song "Red Light."
Arrested For Solicitation In 1997
In perhaps the most humiliating moment of his career, Murphy was arrested in 1997 for soliciting a 20-year-old pre-op transexual prostitute named Atisone Seuli in West Hollywood. The incident was ranked #61 on E! TV's The Greatest Shocking Moments in Entertainment History.
Murphy denied allegations of impropriety, claiming he stopped to help a woman with car trouble. "I did nothing wrong," said Murphy, adding "I was trying to be a good samaritan and this is what happens."
Potential Projects
While Murphy has played some of the most memorable characters in cinematic history, the list of potential projects he could have starred in is staggering. Most notably, Murphy was originally slated to play Winston Zeddemore in Ghostbusters.
Other roles Murphy was offered or had to decline due to scheduling issues include the Grinch in How the Grinch Stole Christmas, Furious Styles in Boys N the Hood, Candyman, Eddie Valiant in Rush Hour, and many more.
Won 2015 Mark Twain Prize
In addition to his slew of accolades and honors, Murphy was awarded the 2015 Mark Twain Award for American Humor. Murphy's mentor Richard Pryor was the first to win the award in 1998 and his mentee Dave Chappelle was the most recent to win the award in 2019.
Several of Murphy's close friends and family were on hand to honor him during the ceremony held at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts.
Charitable Causes
Since his public profile has been kept so low, few people are aware of the charitable causes and philanthropic work Murphy has done over the course of his illustrious career.
Murphy has not only donated to the AIDS Healthcare Foundation, but he's also contributed funds for cancer research, public education, creative arts, homeless communities, and the like. Murphy has made significant offerings to the Martin Luther King Jr. Center and roughly $100,000 to the Screen Actors Guild's "strike relief fund."