Eddie Murphy

Edward Regan Murphy was born on April 3, 1961 in Brooklyn New York. He was a very funny guy at a quite young age and at 15 he was writing and performing his own comedy routines and local bars and his high school talent shows. Murphy performed at the Manhattan showcase the Comic Strip where he was "discovered".

At the age of 19 Murphy was a featured player on Saturday Night Live (1975) but quickly moved on to Hollywood and films. In 1982 he debuted in 48 Hrs. Murphy's portrayal as a street wise convict won over audiences. Next film was Beverly Hills Cop (1984), the film that made Murphy a star and Axel Foley became one of his signature characters.

Film misses with Harlem Nights (1989) Another 48 Hrs (1990) and Boomerang (1992) did not help Murphy's career, but with his remake of The Nutty Professor (1996) his career again ignited.

Murphy has lived the typical Hollywood lifestyle. There are controversies, criticisms, plus scandals surrounding his name, yet Murphy does not drink, smoke or do drugs. He did settle down when he played Doctor Dolittle (1998) and he lent his voice to Mulan (1998) plus the donkey in Shrek in 2001. Although his life and career are a bit on the hectic side, Murphy continues to entertain audiences and he is a huge box office draw.

Murphy is characterized by his goofy laugh and the ability to play multiple characters in one movie. He was married to Nicole Mitchell from Mary 1993 until April 2006. Murphy is father to five children. Notables include an affair with Whitney Houston and his performance on Saturday Night Live. Murphy has been chosen as #10 in Comedy Central's 100 Greatest Stand-Up Comics of All Time and he has always been influenced by the success of Bill Cosby.