Who is Eddie Murphy bio & net worth?

Eddie Murphy is an American actor, comedian, writer, producer, and singer. He was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. He rose to fame in the 1980s as a cast member of the sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live,” where he became known for his impressions and characters. Murphy went on to have a successful film career, starring in numerous hit movies such as “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Trading Places,” “The Nutty Professor,” and “Dreamgirls.” In addition to his acting career, Murphy has also released several comedy albums, including “Comedian” and “Love’s Alright.” He is widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians and entertainers of all time.

Early Life and Career Beginnings
Breakthrough with “Saturday Night Live”
Film Success in the 80s and 90s
Golden Globe Win for “Dolemite is My Name”
Career as a Producer
Versatile Acting Skills
Voice of Donkey in “Shrek”
Musical Talents
Controversies and Criticisms
Legacy and Continued Success in Hollywood

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Eddie Murphy is an American actor, comedian, writer, and singer who was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. Murphy had a difficult childhood, as his father died when he was just eight years old and he and his brother Charlie were raised by their mother, Lillian, in poverty.

Murphy showed an early talent for comedy and began performing stand-up in the early 1980s at various New York clubs, including The Comic Strip and The Improv. His big break came in 1980 when he was hired as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), a popular comedy sketch show. Murphy quickly became a fan favorite on the show and was known for his characters such as Buckwheat, Gumby, and Mr. Robinson.

In 1982, Murphy released his first comedy album, “Eddie Murphy,” which was a critical and commercial success. He went on to star in his first film, “48 Hrs.,” in 1982, which was a hit and launched his film career. Murphy continued to star in successful films throughout the 1980s, including “Trading Places,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” and “Coming to America.” He also released two more comedy albums, “Comedian” and “Eddie Murphy Raw,” which were also popular.

Murphy’s success on SNL and in films made him one of the most popular and influential comedians of the 1980s. His unique style of humor, which often included raunchy and controversial topics, earned him both praise and criticism. Despite the controversy, Murphy’s early career helped pave the way for other African American comedians and actors.

Eddie Murphy Net Worth

$210 Million

Breakthrough with “Saturday Night Live”

Eddie Murphy’s breakthrough in show business came through his work on the comedy sketch show “Saturday Night Live” (SNL). In 1980, when he was just 19 years old, Murphy was hired as a regular cast member on SNL, which was then in its fifth season.

Murphy quickly made an impression on the show’s audience with his high-energy, irreverent humor and his spot-on impressions of celebrities like James Brown, Stevie Wonder, and Mr. Rogers. He also created original characters, including the charismatic street hustler Buckwheat and the surly Gumby, who became fan favorites.

Murphy’s success on SNL led to other opportunities in Hollywood. In 1982, he starred in the hit film “48 Hrs.” alongside Nick Nolte, and he went on to become one of the biggest movie stars of the 1980s and 1990s, appearing in hits like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Trading Places,” and “Coming to America.”

Murphy’s time on SNL was a crucial stepping stone in his career, and he remains one of the show’s most legendary alumni.

Film Success in the 80s and 90s

Eddie Murphy was one of the most successful and popular actors in the 80s and 90s, starring in a number of hit films that have become classic comedies. Some of his most successful films during this period include:

48 Hrs. (1982) – In this action-comedy, Murphy starred as Reggie Hammond, a wisecracking criminal who is released from prison to help a tough cop (Nick Nolte) catch a killer. The film was a huge success and established Murphy as a major star.
Trading Places (1983) – Murphy teamed up with fellow SNL alum Dan Aykroyd in this comedy about a street hustler who switches places with a wealthy stockbroker. The film was a critical and commercial success, and helped solidify Murphy’s place in Hollywood.
Beverly Hills Cop (1984) – In this action-comedy, Murphy starred as Axel Foley, a Detroit cop who travels to Beverly Hills to solve the murder of his friend. The film was a massive hit and spawned two sequels.
Coming to America (1988) – Murphy played multiple roles in this romantic comedy about an African prince who travels to America to find a wife. The film was a box office success and is now considered a cult classic.
Harlem Nights (1989) – Murphy wrote, directed, and starred in this crime comedy about a pair of nightclub owners in 1930s Harlem. The film was a commercial success, but received mixed reviews from critics.
The Nutty Professor (1996) – Murphy played multiple roles in this comedy about a shy professor who creates a potion that transforms him into a suave ladies’ man. The film was a box office hit and spawned a sequel.
Overall, Eddie Murphy’s success in the 80s and 90s helped establish him as one of the most popular and influential comedians of his time. His films continue to be beloved by audiences today.

Golden Globe Win for “Dolemite is My Name”

Eddie Murphy won a Golden Globe award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture – Musical or Comedy for his role in “Dolemite is My Name” on January 5, 2020. This was his first Golden Globe win since 1984 when he won for his performance in “Beverly Hills Cop.” The film, directed by Craig Brewer, tells the story of real-life comedian and actor Rudy Ray Moore, who became famous for his raunchy and outrageous character, Dolemite. The film was released on Netflix in 2019 and received critical acclaim for its performances and script.

Career as a Producer

Eddie Murphy has had a successful career as an actor, comedian, writer, and producer. As a producer, he has been involved in several notable projects.
One of his earliest producer credits was for the 1990 film “Another 48 Hrs.”, the sequel to the successful action-comedy “48 Hrs.” in which he also starred. Murphy served as an executive producer for the film, which was directed by Walter Hill.
In 1996, Murphy produced and starred in the comedy film “The Nutty Professor”, a remake of the 1963 film of the same name. The film was a commercial success, grossing over $274 million worldwide, and was followed by a sequel in 2000, “Nutty Professor II: The Klumps,” which Murphy also produced.
Murphy also produced the comedy film “Life” in 1999, in which he co-starred with Martin Lawrence. The film, directed by Ted Demme, was a critical and commercial success.
In 2006, Murphy produced and starred in “Norbit,” a comedy film about a timid man who is dominated by his overbearing wife. The film was a box office success, grossing over $160 million worldwide, but received mixed reviews from critics.
More recently, Murphy has produced the Netflix comedy film “Dolemite Is My Name” in 2019, in which he also starred as the real-life comedian and actor Rudy Ray Moore. The film received critical acclaim and was nominated for several awards.
Overall, Eddie Murphy’s work as a producer has been a significant part of his career, and he has been involved in many successful and memorable projects.

Versatile Acting Skills

Eddie Murphy is a renowned American actor, comedian, and writer, who has been in the entertainment industry for over four decades. His versatile acting skills have enabled him to portray various roles with ease, ranging from comedy to drama.

Comedy

Murphy is best known for his comedic roles in movies such as Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor. He has a natural sense of humor, which has made him a crowd favorite. Murphy’s unique talent for impersonation and mimicry has enabled him to create unforgettable characters and impressions that have become pop culture icons.

Drama

Murphy’s dramatic roles have proved his versatility as an actor. He has delivered exceptional performances in movies such as Dreamgirls, Mr. Church, and Dolemite is My Name. In Dreamgirls, he portrayed the role of a soulful singer and songwriter, which earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. In Mr. Church, he played the role of a chef who became a surrogate father to a young girl.

Voice Acting

Murphy has also lent his voice to several animated movies. His most notable voice-acting role is that of Donkey in the Shrek series, which has become a fan favorite. His ability to bring animated characters to life with his unique voice and personality has made him one of the most sought-after voice actors in Hollywood.

In conclusion, Eddie Murphy’s versatile acting skills have allowed him to play various roles in the entertainment industry successfully. His ability to shift seamlessly from comedy to drama has earned him accolades and praise from both fans and critics alike.

Voice of Donkey in “Shrek“

Eddie Murphy is indeed the voice of Donkey in the popular animated movie franchise “Shrek”. He provided the voice for the character in all four films of the series, including “Shrek”, “Shrek 2”, “Shrek the Third” and “Shrek Forever After”. Murphy’s portrayal of the wisecracking, talkative and loyal Donkey has become one of the most memorable roles in animated movie history.

Musical Talents

Eddie Murphy is not only a talented actor and comedian but also a musician. He has released multiple albums throughout his career and has showcased his musical talents in various films and TV shows. Here are some of Eddie Murphy’s musical achievements:

“Party All the Time”: In 1985, Eddie Murphy released his debut single “Party All the Time,” which became a hit on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, peaking at No. 2.
“How Could It Be”: Following the success of “Party All the Time,” Eddie Murphy released his debut album “How Could It Be” in 1985. The album featured a mix of R&B, pop, and dance music and was well-received by critics.
“Put Your Mouth on Me”: In 1989, Eddie Murphy released his second album “So Happy,” which included the hit single “Put Your Mouth on Me.”
Musical performances in films: Eddie Murphy has showcased his musical talents in various films, including “Dreamgirls” and “The Nutty Professor.” In “Dreamgirls,” he played James “Thunder” Early, a singer based on James Brown, and received critical acclaim for his performance.
Musical performances on TV: Eddie Murphy has also showcased his musical talents on TV, including as a musical guest on “Saturday Night Live” and as a host of the show. He has also performed on various talk shows and award shows, including the Oscars.
In summary, Eddie Murphy’s musical talents have been a significant part of his career, and he has demonstrated his skills in various ways throughout the years.

Controversies and Criticisms

Here are some controversies and criticisms surrounding Eddie Murphy throughout his career:

Offensive Jokes: Eddie Murphy has faced criticism for using offensive language and making insensitive jokes about different races, ethnicities, and communities. He has apologized for his past comments and stated that he regrets making some of his earlier jokes.
Plagiarism Allegations: Murphy has been accused of plagiarism by several comedians, including Bill Cosby, who accused Murphy of stealing material from his own stand-up routine.
Antisemitic Remarks: In 1993, Eddie Murphy was criticized for making antisemitic comments during a stand-up routine. He later apologized for his comments.
Homophobic Jokes: Murphy has faced criticism for using homophobic language and jokes in his stand-up routines and movies. He has since stated that he regrets making those comments and has evolved in his views on the LGBTQ+ community.
Personal Life Controversies: Eddie Murphy has been involved in several personal controversies, including multiple paternity lawsuits, a DUI arrest, and a brief relationship with a transgender woman.

Legacy and Continued Success in Hollywood

Eddie Murphy is a legendary comedian, actor, writer, and producer who has made a significant impact on the entertainment industry. He first gained fame as a cast member on the sketch comedy series “Saturday Night Live” in the early 1980s, where he created memorable characters like Gumby, Mr. Robinson, and Buckwheat.

Murphy then transitioned to the big screen, starring in hit comedies like “48 Hrs.,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” and “Coming to America.” His success in the 1980s and 1990s made him one of the highest-paid actors in Hollywood, and he received critical acclaim for his performances in movies like “The Nutty Professor” and “Dreamgirls.”

Despite some missteps in the 2000s, Murphy’s career has continued to flourish, with standout performances in movies like “Dolemite Is My Name” and the upcoming sequel to “Coming to America.” He has also returned to his roots in stand-up comedy, with a successful Netflix special in 2019.

Murphy’s legacy in Hollywood is significant, not only for his trailblazing as a Black comedian but also for his ability to cross over to mainstream success. He has inspired a generation of comedians and actors and continues to be a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.

Conclusion:

Eddie Murphy is a highly influential and successful American actor, comedian, writer, and producer who has been entertaining audiences for over four decades. He rose to fame in the 1980s as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, and went on to star in numerous hit films, including Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and The Nutty Professor.

Throughout his career, Murphy has received numerous awards and nominations for his work, including Golden Globe and Emmy awards, and has been recognized as one of the greatest comedians of all time.

In addition to his success in the entertainment industry, Murphy has also been involved in various charitable causes, including raising awareness for HIV/AIDS and supporting children’s organizations.

Overall, Eddie Murphy’s contributions to comedy and film have made a significant impact on popular culture, and his influence on the entertainment industry will continue to be felt for years to come.