Eddie Murphy: 50 Years of Fame & Staying Sane

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Eddie Murphy Reflects on 50 Years in Show Business, Hints at Stand-Up Return

A new documentary and a candid interview reveal the comedy icon’s thoughts on fame, family, and the possibility of returning to the stage.

eddie Murphy isn’t slowing down. The 64-year-old actor and comedian is celebrating 45 years as his breakout on “Saturday Night Live” and preparing for the release of a new documentary, “Being Eddie,” while also contemplating a return to stand-up comedy. During a recent appearance on the “Today” show, Murphy opened up about his remarkable career, the importance of family, and his enduring spirit.

The celebrated performer acknowledged the milestone of nearly five decades in the entertainment industry. “2026 is my 50th year in show business,” Murphy stated, calling it a “huge milestone.” He expressed gratitude for his longevity, saying, “Just to be in this business and just to be going and going for all of these years-all around the world-its a unique blessing. To have made it all the way through and with my sanity and spirit intact, that’s what I’m most proud of.”

Did you know? – Eddie Murphy joined “Saturday Night Live” in 1980, quickly becoming a standout cast member and revitalizing the show with his energetic performances and memorable characters.

The documentary, “Being Eddie,” delves into Murphy’s early life and his unwavering belief in his own potential. He recalled his childhood, stating, “I knew I was going to be famous-I was the funniest kid, always.” However, he distinguished himself from the typical class clown, describing himself as “the cool dude” who wore suits to school and honed his impression skills in the background.

From his groundbreaking work on “Saturday Night Live” in 1980 to starring in nearly 50 films, including comedy classics like “Coming to America” and “Beverly Hills Cop,” Murphy has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment. He also found success voicing the beloved character of Donkey in the “Shrek” franchise.

pro tip: – Murphy’s film “coming to America” (1988) was a critical and commercial success, spawning a 2021 sequel, “Coming 2 America,” released on Amazon Prime Video.

Despite his decades of success, Murphy emphasized the importance of staying grounded. “I try to spend as much time as I can with constructive thinking-constructive thinking is the present moment,” he shared.

The possibility of a return to stand-up comedy, the arena where he first rose to prominence, remains open. When asked about revisiting the stage, Murphy didn’t dismiss the idea. “I’m open to it. I have to wake up one day and feel like it would be fun,” he said. He playfully acknowledged the passage of time, noting, “I was 27, the last time I did stand-up, and I’m 64 now.The guy in the leather suit is a grandpa. Actually, it would be funny if I came out in a leather suit now.”

Reader question: – Murphy has 10 children with five different women. His eldest child, Eric, was born in 1989, and his youngest, Max Charles, in 2018.

Beyond his professional achievements, Murphy underscored the central role of family in his life. Now a father of 10 and a grandfather, he declared, “My kids are the center of everything. The greatest foundation to build anything on is family-