Eddie Murphy: From Stand-Up Phenom to Hollywood Superstar
Eddie Murphy’s rise to superstardom is a story of raw talent, charisma, and boundary-pushing humor. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Roosevelt, Long Island, Murphy rose from humble beginnings to become one of the highest-paid entertainers in the world, dominating comedy, television, and the silver screen.
By the end of the 1980s, Forbes magazine listed Murphy as one of the top-earning stars, alongside comedy veteran Bill Cosby, an astounding feat for someone who was barely out of his teens when his meteoric ascent began.
Murphy’s childhood was marked by hardship—his parents divorced when he was just three, and after his father’s death, he and his brother spent time in foster care before being raised by their mother and stepfather.
However, Murphy’s humor, energy, and natural comedic flair quickly surfaced. Inspired by legends like Elvis Presley and Richard Pryor, Murphy honed his craft by performing at local talent shows as a teenager. His big break came when he started performing at The Comic Strip in New York, captivating affluent audiences with his “street jive” humor.
In 1980, Murphy joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a cast member, quickly becoming the breakout star of the show. He created iconic characters like the parody of Our Gang‘s Buckwheat, the wisecracking “Mr. Robinson,” and Gumby, all of which endeared him to audiences.
His unique blend of humor tackled race, pop culture, and societal issues with a charm and energy that was unmistakably his own. With his electric stage presence and uncanny impressions, Murphy was heralded as a comedy savior during a time when SNL was struggling for ratings.
Murphy’s success on SNL launched him into superstardom, and he quickly became a box office sensation. His first major film, 48 Hrs (1982), where he starred alongside Nick Nolte, was an instant hit, and was followed by another blockbuster, Trading Places (1983).
But it was Beverly Hills Cop (1984), where Murphy portrayed the wisecracking detective Axel Foley, that solidified his place as a Hollywood powerhouse. The film was a smash, and Murphy’s combination of comedy and action made him a superstar, turning him into one of the highest-paid actors in the industry.
Murphy’s stand-up career also soared during this time. His 1983 comedy special, Delirious, became iconic for its edgy, no-holds-barred humor.
He followed it up with Raw (1987), a concert film that further showcased his unapologetic style of comedy, tackling everything from relationships to race with biting wit and swagger.
However, with success came controversy. Murphy’s humor—often laced with provocative language, racial satire, and put-downs—drew criticism, particularly for its portrayals of women, the LGBTQ+ community, and minorities.
His 1987 film Raw was criticized for its high profanity count, and critics and activists alike began to question the direction of Murphy’s comedy.
Throughout the 1990s, Murphy’s career faced ups and downs. While films like Coming to America (1988) were well-received, others, like Harlem Nights (1989), received harsh reviews for their content and dialogue.
Nonetheless, Murphy remained a major box-office draw, returning to more mainstream success with The Nutty Professor (1996) and the family-friendly Doctor Dolittle (1998).
Murphy’s versatility as an entertainer shone through in later years, especially as he lent his voice to the beloved character Donkey in the Shrek series. His ability to balance his edgy stand-up persona with family-friendly roles made him a multifaceted star who appealed to audiences across generations.
Though his career has seen highs and lows, Eddie Murphy remains one of the most influential comedians of all time.
With his raw comedic talent, bold charisma, and ability to connect with audiences, Murphy has left an indelible mark on comedy and film, inspiring countless comedians who followed in his footsteps.
