Eddie Murphy Biography (2024)
Career | Relationships | Facts [UPDATED]

Eddie Murphy Bio


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Eddie Murphy Biography: Eddie Regan Murphy is a box-office comedian best known for his movies, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, The Nutty Professor, and of course, Shrek. 

He began his career as a stand-up comedian when he was 15, which led to him being part of the Saturday Night Live Show cast in the 80s. 

Today we’ll take a look at: 

  • His early life, Relationships, Children
  • His interesting love life, scandals
  • His booming career, Movies, Stand Up

lots more!

So, if you enjoy watching Murphy, then you’re going to love this biography…

Lights. 

Camera. 

Action!

Who Is Eddie Murphy?

Edward Regan Murphy was born on April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn, New York City, U.S. He is an American actor, writer, comedian, and singer.

His rise to fame and stardom began with the comedy sketch show “Saturday Night Live”. He was a regular cast member from 1980 to 1984.

Murphy started his movie career at the age of 21, co-starred with Nick Nolte in the movie 48 Hours, and went on to become a household name.

Who Is Eddie Murphy
Profession: Comedian
Martial Status: Married
Date of Birth: 03.04.61
Current Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer, Singer, Producer.
Nationality: American
Languages: American-English
Religion: Christian
Height: 175 cm
Weight: 77 kg
Tattoos: None
Eye Color: Dark Brown
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Eddie Murphy Net Worth: $200 million
Place Of Birth: Brooklyn, New York, United States of America
Favorite Color: Blue
Favorite Food: Pancakes
Smoking/ Drinking: No
Friends: Ben Stiller, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Martin Lawrence, and many more! 

The Young Eddie Murphy

Young Eddie Murphy
Source: GoSocial
Young Eddie Murphy

On April 03, 1961, his parents welcomed their adorable baby boy into the world in Brooklyn, New York. 

Later on, his family moved to Bushwick for his father’s job.

Growing up, the young comedian loved to watch sitcoms and tv shows. 

His love of the entertainment industry in general paved the way for his new skill – learned as a teenager – the talent of impersonating others.

And when he turned 15, he showcased his talents when he was a host for a talent show in Roosevelt’s Youth Center. 

Who knew that’d be the start of THE career of Ed Murphy.

In high school, the teenager was the “most popular” boy in his class. 

Besides that, the young boy foresaw that he would be a comedian someday – he placed that as his career plan in his yearbook.

Eddie Murphy Family & Relationships

Family

Eddie Murphy Family
The Coming to America actor with his mother, Lillian Lynch. Source: Brain-Sharper

The Saturday Night Live star was born into a middle-class household. 

His father was a New York City policeman while his mother was a telephone operator. 

Sadly, his parents divorced when he was only three years old. His father sadly passed away when he was eight years old.

His mother remarried in 1970, which led the family to move to Roosevelt, Long Island.

Eddie Murphy Family
Source: Goalcast

He has an older brother named Charlie, an actor, standup comedian, and writer just like himself. 

Eddie Murphy Family
The box office king with his ten kids and showing Lillian Lynch (his mother), Paige Butcher (his fiancee), and Mrs. Butcher (Paige’s mom) on Christmas Eve of 2018.

His Baby Mommas

In case you didn’t know…

The comedian has ten children from five beautiful women. 

He also had a different love story with each of them. 

So, let’s take a look at his baby momma’s and find out whose child is who.

Eddie Murphy Family
A photo of Chris Murphy. Source: Closer Weekly

Baby Momma No.1: Paulette McNeely

Sadly, Paulette prefers to keep her life as private as she can. 

Hence there are no photos of his first baby momma. 

Their relationship also happened right before the former Saturday Night Live host rose to stardom. 

Eventually, the two welcomed their child in 1989. 

Eddie Murphy Family
Photo of Christian. Source: Closer Weekly

Baby Momma No.2: Tamara Hood Johnson

After his relationship with McNeely, he dated unknown Tamara Hood Johnson mistook by, Taj from the R&B group SWV.

Later on, Tamara gave birth to Christian – his second child from another mother.

Johnson sued “Hollywood Exes” producers for allegedly stealing her idea. 

 

Baby Momma No.3: Nicole Murphy

Eddie Murphy Family
Nicole’s kids with the stand-up comedian.

Baby Momma No.4: Melanie Brown

Mel B photographed with Angel Iris M. Brown during America’s Got Talent Show in 20

Controversial. 

That is how most people would describe the spice girl’s relationship with Edy Merfi. 

Why? 

Because the actor publicly questioned the pregnancy of Mel B in 2006. 

However, after conducting a paternity test, he confirmed that he is indeed Mel B’s baby’s daddy. The beautiful baby girl was named Angel Iris Murphy Brown.

Eddie Murphy Family
Mel B photographed with Angel Iris M. Brown during America’s Got Talent Show in 20

Baby Momma No.5: Paige Butcher

Many were shocked when the man behind Prince Akeem started dating the Australian model, Paige Butcher, in 2012. 

They were shocked because the model is 19 years younger than the superstar. 

However, the couple didn’t care much for public opinion as they are still together now.

Paige and the box office king were engaged in 2018. 

They also have two kids together, namely, Izzy and Max.

Eddie Murphy Education

Even when he was still in high school, the Saturday Night Live star already had the dream to get into show business. 

This led to him getting behind in his classes, and he was forced to study for 10th grade twice. 

Despite having to go to summer school and evening classes to catch up with his backlogs, he still finished high school in 1978. 

After graduating from high school, he studied at Nassau Community College while working part-time at a local shoe store. 

Eddie Murphy Career

Coming To America 2/ First Emmy – 2020

The legendary movie Coming to America finally has its long-awaited sequel. It is entitled Coming 2 America and was released in 2020. 

Besides his comeback on the movie screen, he also won his first Emmy Award that year – big thanks to his 2019 Saturday Night Live stint as a Guest Actor (SNL). 

Dolemite Is My Name – 2019

When 2019 came into the picture, he was a guest actor for Saturday Night Live. Many of his fans were super excited, as it has been almost 35 years since he was on the show. The show also earned its most-watched episode since 2008. 

Later on, he released an announcement on the return of Coming to America to the big screen. 

He also starred and produced a Netflix film called Dolemite Is My Name in 2019. He earned a nomination from the Golden Globe Awards for being a guest actor for SLN’s highest viewed episode.

Aware for Mr. Church – 2016 

Satellite Awards nominated him for their 2016 Best Supporting Actor Award. It was for his move, Mr. Church. 

Red Light – 2013

In 2013, he released “Red Light,” the actor’s first single after many years. The song featured rapper Snoop Dogg.

Tower Heist – 2011

Tower Heist debuted on the big screens in 2011. 

He played the role of a thief that befriends a group of businessmen who were victims of a Ponzi scheme.

Imagine That and Meet Dave – 2009 & 2008

The actor starred in films: Imagine That in 2009 and Meet Dave in 2008. 

Norbit and Shrek the Third – 2007

The actor returned to the screens when he became a part of movies Norbit and Shrek the Third in 2007.

Little Miss Sunshine gave Murphy a nomination for the Academy Awards. Sadly, he lost to Alan Arkin. 

Dreamgirls – 2006

Dreamgirls made it to the big screens in 2006. The film adaptation of the known Broadway musical included the box-office star as one of its actors. He played the role of singer James “Thunder”  Early. 

He also won as the Best Supporting Actor for that year’s Golden Globe Awards, big thanks to his role in Dreamgirls. 

A Host of Family Friendly Movies Released – 2003—1996

1996 to 2003 was the era wherein his movies were family-friendly themed. 

Family-friendly films with him in it were the following: 

  • Daddy Day Care 
  • The Haunted Mansion 
  • Shrek Series
  • Dr. Dolittle 1 & 2
  • The Nutty Professor 1 & 2
  • Mulan

 Beverly Hills Cop III – 1990s

His acting career in the 90s included the following movies with Eddie Murphy:

  1. Beverly HC III in 1994. 
  2. Box office hits – Boomerang, Another 48 Hrs, and Harlem Nights. 

Career Pinnacle – 1980s

His career peaked in the 80s, giving him more opportunities as an actor. 

Movies with Ed Murp in the 80s were: 

  • Beverly Hills Cop (a comedy series from the first Eddie Murphy Movie)
  • The Golden Child
  • Trading Places
  • 48 Hrs.
  • Best Defense
  • Coming to America

He also became a part of the TV show Saturday Night Live at the start of the 80s. 

Eddie Murphy Raw – 1987

Eddie Murphy Raw, a concert film showing a glimpse into his childhood and life, was made public in 1987. The film earned more than $50 million, making an excellent start to his still rampant net worth.

The Real Start Of It All – 1983 

He officially launched his stand-up comedy career in 1983. When his hit TV special Delirious came out, it was well-received by the public. It led to the start of the success of his career.

Album Debut – 1982

He debuted his self-named album in 1982.

First Impersonations Well Received – 1976 

In 1976, he showcased his skills during the Roosevelt Youth Center talent show. He impersonated Al Green with Green’s Let’s Stay Together in the background.

Eddie Murphy Career
Source: Getty Images

Eddie Murphy Scandals & Controversies

Ed Murph vs. West Hollywood 1997

He made headlines in 1997 when West Hollywood police asked him to pull over. The reason was the transgender female he was with – how times change.  

Interesting Facts About Eddie Murphy

  1. Jaime Foxx almost turned down an offer for the Dreamgirls movie, but when he found out Ed was a part of it, the actor quickly changed his decision. 
  2. One of his notable performances on Saturday Night Live was his impersonation of the adult version of Buckwheat from Little Rascals.
  3. He grew tired of playing Buckwheat and asked the writers to kill his character. 
  4. He sang the song “Livin’ La Vida Loca” and “I’m a Believer” for the movie Shrek.
Facts about Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy Movies

Harlem Nights

A film about corruption and business.

Check it out!

Eddie Murphy Raw

This is the concert film of the actor that shows a glimpse of his childhood.

Check it out!

Imagine That

A story about a father trying to find success in life.

Check it out!

A thousand words

The film revolved around an agent that can speak a thousand words.

Check it out!

The Nutty Professor I & II

A comedy series starred by the box-office star.

Check it out!

Beverly Hills Cop Series

A comedy series about Axel Foley, a freelance detective in the 80s.

Check it out!

Shrek Series

The movie is about an ogre falling in love with a Princess…

Check it out!

Dr. Doolittle

This film shows a veterinarian who is searching for the great pink sea snail.

Check it out!

Trading Places

Two different guys suddenly trades lives… Find out what happens to them in this film.

Check it out!

Are you curious about his movies? 

You can check out Bounce Mojo’s list of his Best Movies if you want to learn more.

Eddie Murphy’s Albums

How Could It Be?

The actor’s first album was released in 1985.

Check it out!

So Clean

He released an album in the 1980s.

Check it out!

Eddie Murphy

His debut album was produced in 1982.

Check it out!

Eddie Murphy Business Interests

In 1984, the comedian ventured into producing movies. He named his company after himself. 

In case you didn’t know, the actor has also worked for many charitable causes over the years. 

He’s known to have donated to foundations that support people with AIDS, charities for the homeless, cancer patients, and many more.

Eddie Murphy Lifetime Achievements

  1. He took home his Lifetime Achievement Award from the Critics’ Choice Awards in 2020. 
  2. He received a total of six nominations from the Golden Globe Awards.
  3. He won a Golden Globe Award for his character in Dreamgirls.
  4. The Primetime Emmy Award gave him five nominations. 
  5. He finally won his first Emmy in 2020 for his guest appearance on SLN.
  6. In 1996, he earned his star in the ever famous Walk of Fame.

Top 3 Quotes From Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy Quotes

“Every bad decision I’ve made has been based on money. I grew up in the projects, and you don’t turn down money there. You take it because you never know when it’s all going to end. I made Cop III because they offered me $15 million. That $15 million was worth having…” 

Eddie Murphy Quotes

“If you’re an artist like a really, really long time, it stops being a performance. I’m not performing anymore. I reveal myself to the audience. I show you some of me. It’s not a show no more.” 

Eddie Murphy Quotes

“I’ve always had confidence. It came because I have lots of initiative. I wanted to make something of myself.” 

Top 3 Memes – Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy Memes
Eddie Murphy Memes
Eddie Murphy Bio Memes03 new

Eddie Murphy Bio: 5 Lessons

  1. Work for your dreams: Dreams don’t work until you do something about it. And even when he was struggling initially, he put in the effort and energy to earn the camera time. I’d say it paid off!
  2. Build your network: If there’s one thing we know about him, it’s the fact that he has tons of successful friends. The actor is also great friends with his writers and staff as he believes it’s always best to build your network.
  3. Trust yourself: He continued to trust in his capabilities until it all worked out. 
  4. Be fearless: Disappointment is not avoidable. That’s why the actor inspired people to be courageous.  
  5. Love what you’re doing: Finally, the comedian also inspires people to love what they’re doing to see significant outputs.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

How many baby mamas does Murphy have?

The comedian has five baby mommas in total. 

How much is Murphy worth?

According to reports, he’s worth $200 million.

How much did Netflix pay Murphy?

Netflix paid him $70 million for his movie.

Is Eddie Murphy a billionaire?

Eddie Murphy is not a billionaire. He is a multimillionaire, and while he found most of his success through his roles in movies and as a comedian.

Summary: Eddie Murphy Biography

That was a pretty long and colorful ride, but I’m sure you’ll agree, the Saturday Night Live star has had a super fun life.

My biggest takeaway from this Bio is how he worked so hard for his career and success. 

But…

… I also particularly liked how he treats his staff as friends.

I’m sure there’s a lot we can learn from his success.

I hope you enjoyed this article – you might also want to check out his Bounce Mojo Net Worth.

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