Eddie Murphy Then and Now

Then: Brooklyn to Saturday Night Live 🎤

Born in Brooklyn, New York, on April 3, 1961, Eddie Murphy grew up fast in Bushwick. His father, an amateur comedian and police officer, died when Eddie was eight.

By 15 he was doing stand-up in local clubs. At just 19, he joined Saturday Night Live in 1980 — and practically saved the show. His Buckwheat, Gumby, and Mr. Robinson routines became legend.

Murphy’s movie debut in 48 Hrs. (1982) proved he could act. Then came Trading Places (1983) and the blockbuster Beverly Hills Cop (1984). He was 23, and already the biggest comedy star on the planet.

Coming to America (1988) sealed his ’80s crown. His SNL years blazed the trail for later sketch-comedy stars like Tina Fey, who built her own SNL-era legacy decades later.

Middle: Slumps, Comebacks, and an Oscar Nod 🎬

The early ’90s were rough. Flops like Vampire in Brooklyn had critics writing him off. Then The Nutty Professor (1996) brought him roaring back — he played nearly every character in it.

Dr. Dolittle (1998) turned him into a family-film king. But his smartest move was voicing Donkey in Shrek (2001). The wisecracking sidekick became one of animation’s most beloved characters.

In 2007, his dramatic turn in Dreamgirls earned him an Academy Award nomination. Around the same time, a new wave of studio comedy leads like Steve Carell was rising — but Murphy’s brand never depended on trends.

He quieted down in the 2010s, raising his ten children mostly out of the spotlight. Then came 2019’s Dolemite Is My Name — his highest-rated film ever — and a full career revival.

Now: Shrek 5, The Pickup, and a Full Calendar at 65 🌟

Eddie Murphy turned 65 in April 2026, and his schedule looks busier than it has in decades. His big-screen return is already in motion.

Shrek 5 hits theaters July 1, 2026, with Murphy back as Donkey alongside Mike Myers and Cameron Diaz. He confirmed recording was underway — and that Donkey is getting his own spin-off movie. 🫏

Weeks later, on August 6, 2026, he headlines The Pickup on Prime Video. The action-comedy pairs him with Pete Davidson as mismatched armored-truck drivers, with Keke Palmer and Eva Longoria co-starring.

Murphy and Longoria are reuniting again for Attachment Parenting, an Amazon MGM comedy about a psychologist couple held hostage at a hotel. It’s early in development, but the pairing clearly works.

From teenage stand-up in Bushwick to a 2026 slate packed with franchises — few careers in Hollywood have ever stretched this far, this strong. 💪

Frequently Asked Questions

How old is Eddie Murphy in 2026?

Born April 3, 1961, Eddie Murphy is 65 years old in 2026.

What is Eddie Murphy doing in 2026?

He stars in the Prime Video action-comedy The Pickup (August 6, 2026), returns as Donkey in Shrek 5 (July 1, 2026), and is developing Attachment Parenting with Eva Longoria.

Is Eddie Murphy in Shrek 5?

Yes. He returns as the voice of Donkey, and has confirmed a Donkey spin-off movie is also in the works.

How did Eddie Murphy get famous?

He joined Saturday Night Live at 19 in 1980, then exploded as a movie star with 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop.

How many children does Eddie Murphy have?

Ten children, ranging from his eldest son Eric to his youngest son Max, born in 2018.

What was his most recent Beverly Hills Cop movie?

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024), which brought Axel Foley back to the screen forty years after the original.