Eddie Murphy Then and Now

Eddie Murphy Then

Eddie Murphy, born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, emerged as a comedic prodigy from humble beginnings in the projects of Bushwick.

Raised by his mother Lillian, a telephone operator, and initially by his father Charles, a New York City police officer and amateur comedian, Murphy’s early years were marked by familial challenges, including his parents’ divorce when he was three. 

Tragically, his father passed away five years later, leaving a lasting impact on young Eddie’s life, especially as his mother underwent a prolonged hospitalization shortly thereafter.

At the age of nine, Murphy’s life took a turn when his mother married Vernon Lynch, a foreman at an ice cream factory, and the family relocated to Roosevelt, Long Island. 

Here, in a predominantly African American suburb, Murphy continued to develop his comedic talents, heavily influenced by the television characters he mimicked effortlessly. 

He displayed an early knack for impressions, mastering voices ranging from Bugs Bunny to Sylvester the Cat, earning praise from his peers and family for his uncanny abilities.

Despite his natural comedic prowess, Murphy’s academic journey was tumultuous. 

He found solace and success in verbal agility, particularly excelling in the art of “ranking” — a popular game involving witty insults exchanged with classmates.

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His comedic talents were further showcased when, at just 15 years old, he wowed audiences at the Roosevelt Youth Center with an impersonation of Al Green, sparking his deep-seated desire to pursue a career in entertainment.

Murphy’s dedication to his comedic ambitions often overshadowed his academic responsibilities, leading to setbacks such as repeating the 10th grade. 

Despite this, he persevered, doubling up on classes, attending summer school, and ultimately graduating a few months later than his peers.

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His popularity among classmates was evident, as he was voted the “most popular” boy in his graduating class, solidifying his reputation as a natural entertainer destined for a career in comedy.

From these formative years in Brooklyn and Roosevelt, Eddie Murphy’s path was set. 

His early experiences with adversity and his innate talent for comedy laid the foundation for a career that would redefine the landscape of entertainment, making him a household name and one of the most influential comedians and actors of his generation.

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Eddie Murphy Acting Career

Eddie Murphy’s career is a testament to his extraordinary talent and enduring influence in comedy and film. 

Starting as a teenager performing stand-up comedy in New York City, Murphy’s ascent was meteoric when he joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” at just 19 years old in 1980. 

His tenure on the show quickly established him as its standout performer, introducing iconic characters like the streetwise Mister Robinson, the poetic convict Tyrone Green, and his irreverent portrayal of the beloved children’s character Gumby.

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Murphy’s ability to blend sharp wit with spot-on impersonations captivated audiences and set the stage for his future success.

Transitioning seamlessly from television to film, Murphy achieved blockbuster status with his first major role in “48 Hrs.” 

(1982), followed by a string of hits including “Trading Places” (1983), “Beverly Hills Cop” (1984), and “The Golden Child” (1986). 

These films not only showcased his comedic prowess but also highlighted his versatility in roles spanning action, comedy, and drama.

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Murphy’s departure from “Saturday Night Live” in 1984 allowed him to focus fully on his burgeoning film and stand-up career, solidifying his status as one of Hollywood’s leading stars of the 1980s.

The 1990s brought both challenges and triumphs for Murphy. Despite initial setbacks, he regained momentum with hits like “The Nutty Professor” (1996) and “Dr. Dolittle” (1998), where he demonstrated his knack for revitalizing classic stories with his unique comedic touch.

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Murphy also found success in animated films, lending his distinctive voice to memorable characters in “Mulan” (1998) and the “Shrek” series, where his portrayal of Donkey endeared him to audiences of all ages.

In 2006, Murphy’s dramatic performance in “Dreamgirls” earned him critical acclaim and his first Academy Award nomination. 

This marked a significant shift in Murphy’s career, showcasing his ability to excel not only in comedy but also in nuanced dramatic roles.

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Subsequent projects like “Dolemite Is My Name” (2019), where he portrayed real-life comedian Rudy Ray Moore, further underscored Murphy’s versatility and range as an actor.

Recognized with prestigious honors such as the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2015 and the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes in 2023 for lifetime achievement, Murphy’s contributions to entertainment continue to resonate deeply.

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His return to host “Saturday Night Live” after 35 years in 2019 not only reaffirmed his enduring popularity but also earned him an Emmy Award, highlighting his enduring impact on comedy and his ability to captivate audiences across generations. 

As Eddie Murphy continues to evolve his career, his legacy as a trailblazer in comedy and film remains an indelible part of American pop culture.

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Eddie Murphy Movies

• 48 Hrs. (1982)
• Trading Places (1983)
• Best Defense (1984)
• Beverly Hills Cop (1984)
• The Golden Child (1986)
• Beverly Hills Cop II (1987)
• Coming to America (1988)
• Harlem Nights (1989) – 
• Another 48 Hrs. (1990)
• Boomerang (1992)
• The Distinguished Gentleman (1992)
• Beverly Hills Cop III (1994)
• Vampire in Brooklyn (1995)
• The Nutty Professor (1996)
• Metro (1997)
• Dr. Dolittle (1998)
• Holy Man (1998)
• Life (1999)
• Bowfinger (1999)
• Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000)
• Shrek (2001) – Voice 
• Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001)
• The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002)
• I Spy (2002)
• Daddy Day Care (2003)
• The Haunted Mansion (2003)
• Shrek 2 (2004) – Voice 
• Shrek the Third (2007) – Voice 
• Norbit (2007)
• Meet Dave (2008)
• Imagine That (2009)
• Shrek Forever After (2010) – Voice 
• Tower Heist (2011)
• A Thousand Words (2012)
• Shrek’s Thrilling Tales (2012) – Voice
• Dolemite Is My Name (2019)
• Coming 2 America (2021)
• Bonnie (2022)
• Candy Cane Lane (2023)
• You People (2023)
• Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024)

Eddie Murphy’s Wife and Children

Eddie Murphy’s personal life has been marked by several significant relationships and family milestones. 

In 1993, he married Nicole Mitchell, with whom he shares five children: Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella. 

Their marriage lasted until 2006 when they divorced after 13 years together.

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Despite their separation, Murphy remained dedicated to his children, maintaining a close relationship with them over the years.

Following his divorce from Mitchell, Murphy’s romantic life continued to draw attention. 

He started dating Melanie Brown, a member of the Spice Girls, in 2006. 

Their relationship gained widespread media coverage when Brown gave birth to a daughter named Angel Iris Murphy Brown on April 3, 2007.

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Initially, Murphy questioned paternity, but subsequent DNA testing confirmed that he was Angel’s father. 

This event marked a significant chapter in Murphy’s personal life, solidifying his commitment to fatherhood even amidst relationship complexities.

In a surprise turn of events, Murphy married Tracey Edmonds, the former wife of Kenneth “Babyface” Edmonds, on New Year’s Day in 2008 in Bora Bora.

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However, the ceremony was later revealed to be non-legally binding, and the couple decided against a legal marriage on American soil. 

Despite this, their relationship showcased Murphy’s willingness to explore new beginnings following his divorce from Mitchell and highlighted his ongoing search for personal happiness.

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In 2012, Murphy began a relationship with Paige Butcher, an Australian actress and model. 

Their romance blossomed, and they welcomed their first child together, a daughter named Izzy, in 2016. 

The couple further expanded their family when Butcher gave birth to their son Max in late 2018, and they became engaged shortly before Max’s arrival.

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Murphy’s relationship with Butcher has been notably stable, marking a period of personal contentment and family growth for the actor, bringing the total number of his children to 10 from various relationships.

Throughout his personal journey, Eddie Murphy has navigated the complexities of fame and family life with resilience and dedication.

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His evolving relationships and expanding family underscore his commitment to fatherhood and his pursuit of happiness in both personal and professional endeavors. 

As Murphy continues to thrive in his career and personal life, his role as a father remains a central and cherished aspect of his identity.

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Eddie Murphy Now

At 63 years old, Eddie Murphy stands as an enduring icon in the world of comedy and entertainment. 

In 2024, Murphy returns to the screen with “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F,” reprising his role as Axel Foley in a new installment of the beloved franchise. 

This latest project not only highlights Murphy’s enduring appeal but also underscores his ability to revive iconic characters for a new generation of fans.

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His continued success in the industry is further reflected in his impressive net worth of $200 million, amassed through his prolific career as an actor, comedian, producer, and director.

Throughout his career, Eddie Murphy has navigated the highs and lows of fame with resilience and a steadfast commitment to his craft.

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His influence extends beyond entertainment, shaping the landscape of comedy and inspiring generations of performers. 

As he continues to entertain audiences worldwide, Murphy’s legacy as a comedic genius and multifaceted entertainer remains firmly cemented, ensuring his place among the greatest talents in cinematic history.

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