Introduction
Eddie Murphy is one of the most iconic comedians and actors in the world. He has been entertaining audiences for over four decades and is still going strong. His humor and wit have made him a household name, but there are many things about him that people don’t know. In this post, we will be sharing ten surprising facts about Eddie Murphy that you probably don’t know.
Section 1: Early Life and Career
Eddie Murphy was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. His father took off when he was three years old, and his mother became very ill when he was eight. Murphy and his elder brother, Charlie, were sent to live with their father’s older brother, Vernon Lynch, who was also a comedian. It is believed that his early exposure to his uncle’s comedic work heavily influenced Eddie’s decision to pursue a career in entertainment.
The 19-year-old Murphy landed a stand-up comedy gig at the famous New York nightclub “The Comic Strip.” From there, Murphy began to make a name for himself in the comedy circuit and caught the eye of the producers of “Saturday Night Live.”
Section 2: Eddie Murphy and SNL
Eddie Murphy joined “Saturday Night Live” in 1980. While on the show, he became a breakout star and won the hearts of audiences with his various characters, including Mr. Robinson, Gumby, and Buckwheat. He was the first-ever SNL cast member to be nominated for an Emmy award for Outstanding Individual Performance in a Variety or Music Program.
Section 3: Eddie Murphy’s Music Career
Eddie Murphy is not only a talented actor and comedian, but he is also a musician. In 1985, Murphy released his debut album, “How Could It Be,” which featured the hit single “Party All the Time.” In 1993, he released a second album called “Love’s Alright,” which was a commercial failure.
Section 4: Eddie Murphy, the Philanthropist
Eddie Murphy has donated millions of dollars to various charities over his career. He has supported charities such as the AIDS Research Alliance, the Create Now Foundation, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Section 5: The Voice of Donkey
One of Eddie Murphy’s most iconic voice-over roles is that of Donkey in the “Shrek” films. It is said that Eddie was initially hesitant to take on the role, but after seeing some of the early animation, he was excited about the opportunity to bring the character to life.
Section 6: Eddie Murphy’s Personal Life
Eddie Murphy has been married twice, and he has ten children. His first marriage was to Nicole Mitchell, and they had five children together. He later married producer Tracey Edmonds but they separated after just two weeks. Murphy is now engaged to Paige Butcher, and they have two children together.
Section 7: Eddie Murphy’s Strained Relationship with the Media
Eddie Murphy has had a strained relationship with the media over the years. He has been a target of the paparazzi and has publicly spoken out about his dislike for them. In a 2016 interview with the Hollywood Reporter, Murphy said, “I don’t want to come off as defensive, but being a celebrity, there’s a lot of restrictions on your privacy. And it’s not that I want it all the time, but I just like the option.”
Section 8: Eddie Murphy’s Success
Eddie Murphy has had a successful career in Hollywood. He has starred in numerous hit films, including “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Trading Places,” and “The Nutty Professor.” He has been nominated for numerous awards and has won several, including a Golden Globe for his role in “Dreamgirls.”
FAQs
Q1. How many children does Eddie Murphy have?
Eddie Murphy has ten children from two marriages and other relationships.
Q2. What was Eddie Murphy’s breakthrough role?
Eddie Murphy’s breakthrough role was on “Saturday Night Live,” where he became a breakout star.
Q3. How many albums has Eddie Murphy released?
Eddie Murphy has released two albums in his career.
Q4. What charities does Eddie Murphy support?
Eddie Murphy supports charities such as the AIDS Research Alliance, the Create Now Foundation, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Q5. What is Eddie Murphy’s most famous voice-over role?
Eddie Murphy’s most famous voice-over role is that of Donkey in the “Shrek” films.
Q6. What awards has Eddie Murphy won?
Eddie Murphy has won several awards, including a Golden Globe for his role in “Dreamgirls.”
Q7. What is Eddie Murphy’s relationship with the media?
Eddie Murphy has had a strained relationship with the media over the years.
Conclusion
Eddie Murphy is a talented comedian, actor, and musician who has had a groundbreaking career in Hollywood. He has won numerous awards and has left a lasting impact on the entertainment industry. Despite his success, there are still many surprising facts about him that people don’t know. Hopefully, this post has given you a better insight into the life and career of Eddie Murphy.