Eddie Murphy, a comedic legend, has graced the silver screen with his unforgettable performances for decades after getting his start on Saturday Night Live. His infectious energy, impeccable timing, and ability to seamlessly blend physical and verbal humor have captivated audiences worldwide.
Eddie Murphy Ruled the 80s
48 Hrs — The 1982 classic not only introduced moviegoers to Murphy en route to him being the biggest star of the 1980s, but it essentially gave movie fans the buddy-cop genre. Murphy stars alongside Nick Nolte as a cop and a convict (on a 48 hour pass from prison) who team up to catch two hardened criminals in the streets of San Francisco. Directed by Walter Hill and the first film that Joel Silver produced. Followed in 1990 by its sequel Another 48 Hrs.
Trading Places — In this classic comedy of mistaken identity, Murphy stars alongside Dan Aykroyd as two men from different social classes who are essentially switched spots in life by two millionaire brothers. Their lives become intertwined as they navigate the challenges of their new circumstances, leading to hilarious consequences.
Beverly Hills Cop — As Axel Foley, a Detroit detective who infiltrates the Beverly Hills Police Department to solve a murder case, Murphy delivers a tour-de-force performance. His physical comedy, combined with his sharp wit and ability to connect with audiences, made Beverly Hills Cop a massive box office success, spawning three sequels. The top grossing movie of 1984 also starred Judge Reinhold, John Ashton and Ronny Cox.
Beverly Hills Cop II — The sequel to the original Beverly Hills Cop film, this action-comedy sees wisecracking Detroit cop Axel Foley return to Beverly Hills to assist Taggart and Rosewood investigate the “Alphabet Crimes” that has ties to a powerful businessman. Murphy’s charismatic performance and the film’s fast-paced action sequences made it a box-office smash. Directed by Tony Scott in his first film following Top Gun starring Tom Cruise.
Coming to America — This iconic comedy follows Prince Akeem (Murphy) and his servant Semi (Arsenio Hall) in Queens, New York, on a quest to find a wife who loves him for who he is and not his royalty. With its hilarious supporting cast, catchy soundtrack, and Murphy’s brilliant portrayal of Akeem, “Coming to America” remains a timeless classic.
Eddie Murphy Raw — Murphy’s stand-up comedy special is widely considered one of the greatest comedy performances of all time. Released in 1987, the special catapulted Murphy to superstardom and solidified his reputation as one of the most influential comedians of his generation.
Murphy’s List of Awards and Accolades
Murphy earned a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Eddie Murphy: Comedian in 1983.
He won Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting Saturday Night Live in 2019.
In 2007, he won the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his portrayal of James “Thunder” Early for the 2006 film Dreamgirls. Murphy was also nominated for Golden Globes for 48 Hrs. (Best New Star) in 1983, Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Trading Places (1984), Beverly Hills Cop (1985) and The Nutty Professor (1997) and Best Actor Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Dolemite is My Name in 2020.
He received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an honorary Golden Globe Award bestowed by the Hollywood Foreign Press Association for “outstanding contributions to the world of entertainment” in 2023. Recent winners include Tom Hanks (2020), Denzel Washington (2016), George Clooney (2015), Morgan Freeman (2012) and Steven Spielberg in 2009.
Murphy won the Screen Actors Guild Award and also received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for Dreamgirls.
