Edward Regan Murphy is an American comedian, actor, writer, and producer. He rose to fame in the 1980s as one of the most influential and successful comedians in the world. He portrayed the role of the vampire Maximillian in Vampire in Brooklyn.
Biography[]
Early Life[]
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Murphy's early life was marked by adversity, as his parents divorced when he was young, and he and his brother, Charlie, were raised by their mother in the rough neighborhoods of Brooklyn and Roosevelt, Long Island. Despite these challenges, Murphy's natural comedic talent began to shine through at an early age. He idolized comedians like Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby and developed a knack for impersonations.
Career[]
Eddie Murphy's big break came when he joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1980 at the age of 19. His memorable characters, such as Buckwheat and Mr. Robinson, became instant classics, and he quickly became the show's standout performer. This catapulted him into the world of Hollywood.
In 1982, Murphy made his film debut in the buddy cop comedy "48 Hrs.," followed by a string of successful films, including "Trading Places" (1983) and "Beverly Hills Cop" (1984). The latter film, in which he played the wisecracking Detroit detective Axel Foley, solidified his status as a leading man in the industry.
Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Eddie Murphy's career reached even greater heights with hits like "Coming to America" (1988), "The Nutty Professor" (1996), and the "Shrek" franchise, where he lent his voice to the beloved character Donkey. He received critical acclaim and numerous awards for his work in "Dreamgirls" (2006), earning an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Beyond his acting career, Eddie Murphy's stand-up comedy remains legendary. His 1983 comedy special, "Delirious," and his 1987 special, "Raw," are considered some of the greatest stand-up performances of all time. Murphy's raw and edgy humor resonated with audiences and helped redefine comedy in the 1980s.
Despite enduring some career ups and downs, Eddie Murphy's talent and charisma have remained undeniable. In recent years, he made a highly anticipated return to the stand-up stage and hosted "Saturday Night Live" in 2019, marking his first appearance on the show in 35 years.
Eddie Murphy's influence on the entertainment industry is immeasurable. He broke down racial barriers in Hollywood and became a symbol of African American excellence in film and comedy. His enduring legacy continues to inspire generations of comedians and actors, making him an iconic figure in American entertainment history. Eddie Murphy's life and career serve as a testament to the power of talent, determination, and resilience in the face of adversity.
Discography[]
- How Could It Be (1985)
- So Happy (1989)
- Love's Alright (1993)
Filmography[]
- 48 Hrs. (1982)
- Trading Places (1983)
- Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
- The Golden Child (1986)
- Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)
- Eddie Murphy: Raw (1987)
- Coming to America (1988)
- Harlem Nights (1989)
- Another 48 Hrs. (1990)
- Boomerang (1992)
- Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
- Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
- The Nutty Professor (1996)
- Mulan (1998)
- Dr. Dolittle (1998)
- Bowfinger (1999)
- Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)
- Shrek (2001)
- Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)
- The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
- Daddy Day Care (2003)
- The Haunted Mansion (2003)
- Shrek 2 (2004)
- Dreamgirls (2006)
- Norbit (2007)
- Shrek the Third (2007)
- Meet Dave (2008)
- Imagine That (2009)
- Shrek Forever After (2010)
- Tower Heist (2011)
- A Thousand Words (2012)
- Mr. Church (2016)
- Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
- Coming 2 America (2021)
- You People (2023)
- Candy Cane Lane (2023)