Early Career
Eddie Murphy was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. At the start of his career, he performed as a stand-up comedian in local clubs. Eventually, he caught the attention of producers at NBC’s ‘Saturday Night Live’.
In 1980, Murphy joined the cast of ‘Saturday Night Live’. He quickly became one of the show’s breakout stars, known for his hilarious characters and spot-on impressions.
Breakthrough
In 1982, Murphy had his breakthrough role starring in ’48 Hrs.’, a buddy cop comedy co-starring Nick Nolte. The film was a huge success, and Murphy’s performance as the wise-cracking convict Reggie Hammond earned him critical acclaim and established him as a major talent in Hollywood. Murphy’s career continued to soar throughout the 1980s, with hit films like ‘Trading Places’, ‘Beverly Hills Cop’, and ‘Coming to America’ cementing his status as a box office superstar. His talent and versatility as an actor allowed him to take on a wide range of roles, from action hero to romantic lead to comedic genius.
In the 1990s, Murphy’s career took a bit of a hit, with a string of critical and commercial failures. After experiencing a setback, he made a comeback in 1996 with his role in ‘The Nutty Professor’. The comedy saw him play multiple characters, showcasing his incredible range as an actor. Murphy’s dedication to his craft and willingness to take risks made him a respected actor in Hollywood.
Awards and Nominations
Throughout his career, Eddie Murphy has been recognized for his outstanding performances with numerous award nominations and wins. He has been nominated for an Academy Award, a Golden Globe Award, and three Emmy Awards. He won one of the Emmy Awards for his performance on ‘Saturday Night Live’.
Recent Work
48 Hrs. (1982), Trading Places (1983), 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), Doctor Dolittle (1998), Bowfinger (1999), Shrek (2001) (voice), Showtime (2002), Daddy Day Care (2003), Shrek 2 (2004) (voice), Dreamgirls (2006), Norbit (2007), Shrek the Third (2007) (voice), Meet Dave (2008), Tower Heist (2011), Mr. Church (2016), Dolemite Is My Name (2019), Coming 2 America (2021), and You People (2023).
Eddie Murphy’s incredible talent and dedication to his craft made him one of the most iconic actors of his generation. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles has made him a favorite among audiences and critics alike. With a number of exciting projects in the works, it’s clear that Murphy will continue to shine bright for years to come.