Murphy, Eddie (1961-…), is an American comedian , motion-picture actor, and writer. He became popular for his breezy, fast-talking style. Many of Murphy’s routines feature comic impersonations. He is also known for playing multiple and diverse characters in his films. Murphy has won Emmy , Golden Globe , and Grammy awards for his acting and comedy.
Edward Regan Murphy was born in the Brooklyn section of New York City on April 3, 1961. He began his career performing in comedy clubs as a teenager. Murphy first gained fame at the age of 19, when he became a regular performer on the television program ” Saturday Night Live. ” He gained a large national following for his humorous roles as offbeat characters and real-life personalities. Murphy remained with the program through 1984.
Murphy’s film career began with the hit action movie 48 Hours (1982). He also starred in a sequel, Another 48 Hrs. (1990). Another early Murphy hit was Beverly Hills Cop (1984). He appeared in two less successful sequels, Beverly Hills Cop II (1987) and Beverly Hills Cop III (1994). Murphy won critical praise as well as box-office success as the star of the comedy-fantasy The Nutty Professor (1996). It was followed by the sequel Nutty Professor II: The Klumps (2000).
Murphy’s other films include Trading Places (1983); Coming to America (1988) and Coming 2 America (2021); Dr. Dolittle (1998) and Dr. Dolittle 2 (2001); Bowfinger (1999); I Spy (2002); Dreamgirls (2006); Norbit (2007); Imagine That (2009); Tower Heist (2011); and Dolemite Is My Name (2019). Murphy provided the voice of a talking donkey in the popular animated film Shrek (2001) and several sequels. He also drew enthusiastic audiences for his comedy concert tours. His brother Charlie Murphy, who died in 2017, also was a comedian, actor, and writer.
