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Eddie Murphy is an American comedian, actor, and singer known for his work in film, television and stand-up comedy.
He gained fame on Saturday Night Live and went on to star in successful films like 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America and The Nutty Professor.
Murphy has received numerous awards, including a Golden Globe, a Grammy and an Emmy.
He is recognized for his versatility, often playing multiple roles in his movies.
Apart from his acting career, Murphy is also a talented voice actor, notably voicing characters like Donkey in the Shrek franchise and Mushu in Disney’s Mulan.
Additionally, he has been involved in philanthropic endeavors, supporting various causes such as AIDS research and education.
| Net worth | $200 million |
| Profession | Comedian, actor, singer |
| Date of birth | April 3, 1961 |
| Nationality | American |
Background and early life
Murphy, born Edward Regan Murphy on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, had a challenging early life.
Raised in the Bushwick section of Brooklyn, his parents divorced when he was three, and his father was tragically murdered when he was eight.
Following his father’s death, Murphy and his older brother spent a year in foster care while their mother recovered from tuberculosis.
This experience greatly influenced his later comedic style.
Murphy’s mother later married Vernon Lynch Sr., and the family moved to Long Island when Murphy was ten.
Despite these hardships, he found solace in making people laugh and began performing stand-up comedy at a young age, eventually gaining recognition for his talent.
Murphy’s career took off when he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live at age 19, leading to a successful acting career in films like 48 Hrs.
His childhood experiences and early struggles played a significant role in shaping his comedic prowess and success in the entertainment industry.
Net worth
Murphy’s net worth is estimated to be $200 million, reflecting his successful career.
Despite experiencing highs and lows in his career, his ability to demand high salaries and negotiate lucrative deals has contributed to his substantial wealth.
Murphy’s films have grossed over $7 billion worldwide, and he has earned significant paychecks for various projects, such as earning $20 million for Nutty Professor II: The Klumps and receiving a $70 million deal with Netflix in 2019 for stand-up specials.
His financial success extends beyond the entertainment industry, with ventures into real estate and other business deals further adding to his impressive net worth.
Career earnings
Notable highlights of Murphy’s career earnings include his time on Saturday Night Live, where he earned $4,500 per episode in 1980, increasing to $30,000 per episode the following season.
In his film career, his earnings are estimated to exceed $300 million, with significant paydays for various movies.
For instance, Murphy earned $1 million for Best Defense in 1984, $14 million for Beverly Hills Cop and $60 million from Nutty Professor II with backend points.
His earnings for other films like Beverly Hills Cop II, Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop III, The Nutty Professor and Doctor Dolittle showcase his ability to command substantial paychecks.
In 2019, Netflix reportedly paid Murphy $70 million to produce a series of comedy specials, highlighting his enduring appeal and marketability in the entertainment industry.
His career earnings reflect his immense success in the entertainment industry, from his early days on SNL to his blockbuster film roles, showcasing his ability to consistently deliver box office hits and command top salaries for his work.
Netflix deal
Murphy’s Netflix project involved a lucrative deal in 2019 where Netflix paid him a staggering $70 million to produce a series of stand-up comedy specials.
This deal marked a significant return to stand-up comedy for he, as he had initially thought he would not revisit this aspect of his career after focusing on acting.
The anticipation surrounding this Netflix project was high, considering Murphy’s legendary status in the realm of stand-up comedy and his enduring appeal in the entertainment industry.
This venture not only showcased his comedic talent but also highlighted his marketability and ability to secure substantial deals even after years away from the stand-up stage.
The Netflix project represented a major milestone in Murphy’s career, underscoring his continued relevance and influence in the world of comedy.
Car collection
Murphy’s impressive car collection includes a variety of luxury vehicles, showcasing his penchant for high-end automobiles.
Some of the notable cars in his collection are the Rolls Royce Wraith, Rolls Royce Phantom, Rolls Royce Phantom Drophead Coupé, Aston Martin DB9, Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano and Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG.
These vehicles represent a mix of luxury, performance, and style, with models like the Rolls Royce Wraith, Phantom and Phantom Drophead Coupé embodying opulence and precision.
The Aston Martin DB9 and Ferrari 599 GTB Fiorano offer a blend of luxury and speed, while the Mercedes-Benz SLS AMG combines high performance with a customized aesthetic.
Murphy’s car collection reflects his appreciation for fine automobiles and his affinity for vehicles that exude luxury and sophistication.
Real estate properties
Murphy’s real estate portfolio includes a range of luxurious properties, showcasing his taste for opulent living.
Here are some key details about his houses;
Beverly Hills mansion: In 2001, Murphy purchased a 3.67-acre property in North Beverly Park for $10 million, where he built a 10-bedroom, 17-bathroom mansion spanning 18,598 square feet.
This estate features amenities like a tennis court, swimming pool, and a 4-car garage.
Additionally, Murphy previously owned a mansion in Beverly Hills, which he purchased from Cher in 1988 for $5.9 million and later sold at a loss.
The property was expanded by subsequent owners to include 11 bedrooms, 17 bathrooms and sits on 13.5 acres.
Granite Bay, CA: Murphy owned a lavish mansion in Granite Bay, California, which he purchased in 1998 with his then-wife Nicole Mitchell.
This property, set on 5.2 acres, boasted a 12,600-square-foot main house, a 5,200-square-foot guesthouse, 10 suites, 14 bathrooms, a commercial-quality gym and sports courts.
After selling the property in 2007, it was listed for $12 million in 2013 but eventually sold for $5.5 million in 2018.
Other residences: Murphy has lived in various high-end homes in Beverly Hills, including a 1920s abode previously owned by David Spade and a property with a storied history that once housed Greta Garbo, Heidi Fleiss and Elton John.
His real estate ventures reflect his affinity for luxurious living and grand properties, showcasing his penchant for regal residences and opulent amenities.
Early career
Murphy’s early career was marked by his passion for comedy and a strong desire to entertain.
Inspired by comedians like Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby, Murphy began honing his comedic skills at a young age, drawing influence from various sources such as Redd Foxx, Robin Williams and Charlie Chaplin.
His childhood experiences, including performing in a talent show at the Roosevelt Youth Center in 1976, laid the foundation for his future success in stand-up comedy.
Murphy’s ability to impersonate characters like Bugs Bunny and Bullwinkle showcased his talent for mimicry and character portrayal.
These early experiences and influences shaped Murphy’s comedic style and set him on a path towards becoming one of the greatest comedians of all time.
Despite facing personal challenges, including time in foster care, Murphy’s resilience and sense of humor were instrumental in propelling him forward in his career.
Breakthrough
Murphy’s breakthrough in the entertainment industry can be attributed to his role in the film, Trading Places.
Originally intended for Richard Pryor and Gene Wilder, the role eventually went to Murphy, marking a significant turning point in his career.
This opportunity allowed him to showcase his comedic talent and charisma on the big screen, leading to widespread recognition and acclaim.
While Murphy had already gained popularity through his work on Saturday Night Live and other projects, Trading Places, solidified his status as a leading comedic actor and set the stage for his future success in Hollywood.
The film’s success not only propelled him into the spotlight but also opened doors for him to take on more prominent roles in iconic movies like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America and The Nutty Professor, further cementing his reputation as a comedic powerhouse.
Notable films
Murphy’s notable films include a range of successful projects that have contributed to his iconic status in the entertainment industry.
Some of his standout films are 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, The Golden Child, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, Dr. Dolittle and the Shrek series (2001, 2004, 2007, 2010).
These films highlight Murphy’s ability to excel in various genres and formats, from live-action comedies to animated features, solidifying his reputation as a versatile and enduring talent in the film industry.
Awards and accolades
Murphy has received numerous awards and accolades throughout his illustrious career.
Some of his notable awards include the Grammy Award for Best Comedy Album for Eddie Murphy: Comedian, the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting Saturday Night Live and the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture for Dreamgirls.
He also received the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2023, NAACP Image Awards for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Motion Picture for Trading Places and The Nutty Professor, the Hollywood Film Festival Career Achievement Award in 2016, Golden Raspberry Awards including Worst Actor of the Decade and Razzie Redeemer Award, and MTV Movie & TV Awards nominations for Best Male Performance and Best Comedic Performance.
These awards reflect Murphy’s versatility and impact across various entertainment genres, showcasing his talent as a comedian, actor and entertainer.
Philanthropic efforts
Murphy is actively involved in various philanthropic endeavors, demonstrating his commitment to giving back and supporting important causes.
He has utilized his platform and resources to effect meaningful change in the world by supporting organizations dedicated to AIDS research, cancer charities, and the Martin Luther King Jr. Center for Nonviolent Social Change.
Murphy’s contributions have helped raise funds and increase awareness about critical health issues like HIV/AIDS, emphasizing the importance of addressing these challenges.
Additionally, he has established the Yeah! Foundation, which benefits a variety of causes such as helping the homeless and providing scholarships for education.
By championing educational initiatives, Murphy underscores his belief in the transformative power of education and its potential to improve lives.
His involvement in creative arts initiatives also reflects his recognition of the value of the arts in enriching communities.
Eddie Murphy family
Murphy has a large and diverse family, consisting of 10 children from various relationships.
His eldest child, Eric Murphy, was born on July 10, 1989, with then-girlfriend Paulette McNeely.
Bria Murphy, his second child and first daughter, was born on November 18, 1989, with ex-wife Nicole Mitchell.
Christian Murphy, born on November 29, 1990, is Eddie’s third child with former girlfriend Tamara Hood.
Myles Mitchell Murphy, Eddie’s fourth child, was born on November 7, 1992, with ex-wife Nicole.
Shayne Audra Murphy, born on October 10, 1994, is another child of Eddie and ex-wife Nicole.
Zola Ivy Murphy and Bella Zahra Murphy are daughters of Eddie and ex-wife Nicole.
Angel Iris Murphy Brown is the daughter of Eddie and former Spice Girl Mel B. Izzy Oona Murphy, born in May 2016, is Murphy’s daughter with fiancée Paige Butcher, and Max Charles Murphy, born in November 2018, is their son.
Murphy takes pride in his children, emphasizing their normalcy and positive qualities, distinguishing them from stereotypical ‘Hollywood kids’ and highlighting their well-rounded personalities.
