Eddie Murphy
Born 1961 · Age 64
American actor, comedian and singer; breakout stand-up star who rose to fame on Saturday Night Live (1980–84) and became a leading movie star across multiple decades.
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Life & Career Timeline
Born in Brooklyn, New York
Edward Regan Murphy born in Brooklyn, New York City.
Father murdered
Murphy's father, Charles Edward Murphy, was murdered; pivotal childhood trauma.
Placed in foster care for a year
After his mother's illness Murphy and brother Charlie lived in foster care for about one year.
First public performance (talent show)
Marks the start of his performing career — impersonation of Al Green at Roosevelt Youth Center.
Joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) cast
Became a regular cast member on SNL, gaining national attention and revitalizing the show.
Big‑screen debut in 48 Hrs.
Starred opposite Nick Nolte in 48 Hrs., his first major film role; breakout movie success released in the 1982 Christmas season.
Hosted SNL while still a cast member
Filled in to host the December 11, 1982 Christmas episode after Nick Nolte became ill — the only cast member to host while still regular.
Starred in Trading Places
Co-starred with Dan Aykroyd in Trading Places, a major box-office hit and critical success.
Stand‑up special Delirious (filmed)
Delirious was filmed (released as a nightclub special/concert film and became widely known).
Won Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording
Won a Grammy for his comedy album Eddie Murphy: Comedian.
Starred in Beverly Hills Cop — major box office
Beverly Hills Cop became the highest‑grossing film of 1984 in the U.S.; grossed over $230 million domestically.
Released debut studio album How Could It Be
Released album featuring the hit single 'Party All the Time' which peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100.
Released single 'Party All the Time' (#2 peak)
'Party All the Time' (produced by Rick James) peaked at #2 on the Billboard Hot 100 — major crossover pop hit.
Starred in The Golden Child
Took a leading role in The Golden Child; film did well commercially though mixed critically.
Launched Eddie Murphy Television Enterprises
Started his own television company and secured a deal at Paramount Television.
Starred in Beverly Hills Cop II — global hit
Reprised Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop II; the film grossed nearly $300 million worldwide.
Released Eddie Murphy Raw (concert film) — $50M gross
Eddie Murphy Raw was given a wide theatrical release and grossed approximately $50 million.
Struck a deal with CBS for Eddie Murphy Television Enterprises
Expanded television dealings — struck a deal with CBS for his company.
Starred in Coming to America (multiple roles)
Played multiple roles; Coming to America became a major hit and showcased his multi-character skill.
Wrote, directed and starred in Harlem Nights
Worked as director, producer, co-writer and star; film featured Redd Foxx and Richard Pryor; underperformed critically.
Son Eric born
Son Eric Murphy born to then‑girlfriend Paulette McNeely.
Daughter Bria born
Bria Murphy (daughter) born (mother Nicole Mitchell later married Murphy).
Another 48 Hrs. released
Returned to the 48 Hrs. franchise; moderate box-office performance relative to earlier hits.
Son Christian born
Christian Murphy born to then-girlfriend Tamara Hood.
Starred in Boomerang and The Distinguished Gentleman
Released Boomerang (successful) and The Distinguished Gentleman; continued to feature prominently in Hollywood comedies.
Birth of Myles Mitchell
Son Myles Mitchell born November 7, 1992 (listed with Murphy's children).
Released album Love's Alright
Recorded Love's Alright (early 1990s), his third studio album.
Married Nicole Mitchell
Married Nicole Mitchell Murphy at the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
Beverly Hills Cop III critical failure
Beverly Hills Cop III was released to poor reviews; marks point of critical decline in mid-1990s.
Birth of Shayne Audra
Daughter Shayne Audra born October 10, 1994.
Vampire in Brooklyn released (directed by Wes Craven)
Starred in Wes Craven's horror-comedy; received negative reviews initially but later gained cult following.
Starred in The Nutty Professor (major rebound)
Led The Nutty Professor — major box-office rebound and one of his favorite comedic works.
Arrested with transgender sex worker (incident)
Stopped by police in West Hollywood with Atisone Seiuli; led to negative publicity though Murphy faced no charges.
Voiced Mushu in Mulan; starred in Dr. Dolittle
Voiced Mushu (Disney's Mulan) and starred in family-friendly Dr. Dolittle — continued success in family films.
Starred in Bowfinger
Co-starred with Steve Martin in Bowfinger; positive reviews and $98 million worldwide box-office.
Birth of Zola Ivy
Daughter Zola Ivy born December 24, 1999.
Became voice of Donkey in Shrek (franchise begins)
Voiced Donkey in Shrek (2001) — iconic role that became a franchise and earned major award nominations.
Birth of Bella Zahra
Daughter Bella Zahra born January 29, 2002.
The Adventures of Pluto Nash box-office failure
Pluto Nash grossed only about $7 million worldwide on an estimated $110 million budget — one of Hollywood's major flops.
Starred in Daddy Day Care and The Haunted Mansion
Continued focus on family comedies in the early 2000s; mixed box-office results.
Starred in Dreamgirls — awards acclaim
Played James 'Thunder' Early; won a Golden Globe and received significant awards buzz and nominations.
Invited to join the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences
Extended recognition by being invited to become an Academy member.
Academy Award nomination announced (Best Supporting Actor)
Nominated for the 79th Academy Awards for Dreamgirls.
Birth of Angel Iris Murphy Brown (confirmed paternity)
Mel B gave birth on Murphy's 46th birthday; DNA confirmation on June 22, 2007 confirmed Murphy was the father.
Symbolic vows with Tracey Edmonds
Murphy and Tracey Edmonds exchanged vows in a private symbolic ceremony in Bora Bora but did not legally marry.
Named sixth‑highest grossing actor in US (2015 report)
In 2015, his films made him the sixth-highest grossing actor in the United States (cumulative box office ranking).
Eddie Murphy Rule (Dodd‑Frank Sec. 746) named
Section 746 of the 2010 Dodd–Frank Act is informally called the 'Eddie Murphy Rule' referencing Trading Places' plot involving misappropriated government info.
Annie Award for Shrek (voice acting)
Won the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in a Feature Production for his role as Donkey (Shrek).
Box office career totals milestone reported
Body of work had grossed over $3.8 billion in the U.S. and $6.7 billion worldwide (Wikipedia figures reported in later summaries).
Co-starred in Tower Heist
Starred in Tower Heist (2011) with Ben Stiller — mid‑career studio feature.
Announced as host for 84th Academy Awards
Was reported to host the 2012 Oscars but later withdrew.
Dropped out as Oscars host
Canceled hosting duties after controversy surrounding Brett Ratner.
Announced involvement in Beverly Hills Cop 4
Paramount/Bruckheimer/Ratner reported to be developing Beverly Hills Cop 4 with Murphy attached.
Returned briefly to SNL for 40th Anniversary special
Made a surprise appearance at the SNL 40th anniversary; short appearance drew mixed reactions.
Received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
Honored at the Kennedy Center; attended by many leading comedians.
Starred in Mr. Church
Co-starred with Britt Robertson in the drama Mr. Church, received critical acclaim for dramatic work.
Birth of Izzy Oona
Daughter Izzy Oona born to partner Paige Butcher.
Engaged to Paige Butcher
Murphy and Paige Butcher became engaged in September 2018.
Birth of Max Charles
Son Max Charles born to partner Paige Butcher; middle name honors Murphy's late brother Charlie.
Critics' Choice Lifetime Achievement Award
Received Critics' Choice Award for Lifetime Achievement (listed among honors received in late‑career resurgence).
Produced and starred in Dolemite Is My Name
Played Rudy Ray Moore; film released on Netflix to critical acclaim and Golden Globe nomination.
Returned to host SNL (first time since 1984)
Hosted SNL to promote Dolemite; reprised classic characters and received rave reviews; highest-watched episode since 2008.
Won first Primetime Emmy Award
Won Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting SNL.
Coming 2 America released
Starred in the sequel to Coming to America (released March 2021 via Amazon).
Signed first‑look deal with Amazon Studios (Eddie Murphy Productions)
Eddie Murphy Productions inked a multi-picture / first‑look deal with Amazon Studios.
Announced to portray George Clinton in biopic
Set to portray funk legend George Clinton in an untitled biopic produced by Davis Entertainment.
Received the Cecil B. DeMille Award
Honored with the Golden Globe lifetime achievement Cecil B. DeMille Award.
Married Paige Butcher
Married partner Paige Butcher in a private ceremony in Anguilla.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F released
Returned as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (released July 3, 2024 on Netflix).
Son Eric married Jasmine Lawrence
Reported marriage of Murphy's son Eric to Jasmine Lawrence (daughter of Martin Lawrence).
Set to reprise Donkey in Shrek 5
Announced to reprise the voice of Donkey in Shrek 5 (scheduled release June 30, 2027).
Key Achievement Ages
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