Eddie Murphy

"Edward Regan Murphy, popularly known as Eddie Murphy was born in 1961, and grew up in primarily African-American suburb of Roosevelt, Long Island. Eddie’s father Charles Murphy, an amateur comedian and New York City police officer, died when he was eight. The African-American superstar was then brought up by his mother Lillian Murphy, and step father Vernon Lynch. Murphy developed great skills of impressions by watching television and his comic talent became evident when he started performing standup gigs in local venues at less than 50 dollars a pop. Soon, Eddie got voted as ‘most popular’ boy in school, and was a headline act on the comedy club circuit. This early success ignited a passion for showbiz in him and he declared his career plan, to become a comedian.

Murphy got his first big break as an extra on the NBC’s late night comedy show, Saturday Night Life, and his talent earned him the regular slot in the show. Eddie went on to become an internationally recognized actor for his phenomenal role of good cop/bad boy Axel Foley, a role originally slated for Sylvester Stallalone in the Beverly Hills Cop film series. The comedian celebrated his success by splashing out on fast cars, glitzy lifestyle, and reportedly paid out $5 million for Cher’s Moroccan inspired mansion complete with all the luxe amenities, located at the top of Hollywood hills. In the meantime, he married his longtime relationship partner Nicole Mitchell in 1993, and went on to have five children. Later, his professional life lost some of its burnish with his disappointing directorial debut with Harlem Nights, along with series of less successful films. Further in 2006, Eddie and Nicole divorced and soon the star was being linked to Spice Girl Melanie Brown.

Eddie’s work life took a turn for the better, when his performance in Shrek and Dr Dolittle tickled the ribs of a whole new generation of fans. Murphy who often plays multiple characters in one movie has lived the Hollywood lifestyle full of controversy, scandal, criticism and admiration of millions for his comedy talent. Murphy has proved to be a reliable Hollywood asset, he is a stand-up comedian, actor, director, and producer and has no shortage of work.