Throughout his time in the spotlight, Eddie Murphy has experienced some unforgettable celebrity encounters.
In the Netflix documentary “Being Eddie,” the 64-year-old actor and comedian shared a story about a pass from Yul Brynner that he hasn’t forgotten.
“For my 21st birthday, I threw a party at Studio 54,’” Murphy remembered. “Yul Brynner, of ‘Ten Commandments’ fame, was there with his wife. He asked, ‘How would you like to come back to my place with my wife and me and have some fun?’ I declined, saying, ‘Nah, I’m good!’ Later, I wondered if he was suggesting I sleep with his wife, especially since she was smiling.”
“The anecdote could [have] had a more exciting conclusion,” he stated. “Imagine, ‘I went to Yul Brynner’s, slept with his wife while he watched and exclaimed, ‘Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!’”
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Brynner passed away in 1985 following a fight with lung cancer.
Leading up to the documentary’s debut, Murphy also voiced his opinions on ‘phony’ Hollywood and gave his thoughts on why he believes he has been snubbed by the Oscars.
“One reason I avoid award shows is the uncomfortable atmosphere of being surrounded by famous people all vying for an award,” he revealed to USA Today. “The fancy clothes, the acting, the fakeness … being in a room full of celebrities is just odd, and I don’t enjoy it.”
“ I’ve always preferred staying home,” Murphy added. “Most stand-up comedians I know do it out of love. They thrive on the stage’s energy, but I’m the opposite.”
“I recharge best in quiet environments at home or somewhere calm,” he explained. “Crowds drain me.”
Over the years, he’s taken on a variety of roles, from an elderly woman in “The Nutty Professor” to a donkey in “Shrek,” a veterinarian who converses with animals in “Dr. Dolittle,” and a Jewish character in “Coming to America,” among others. Murphy has dedicated his life to entertainment and film, leaving a mark on modern stand-up and opening doors for Black lead actors in Hollywood.
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However, he’s never received an Oscar.
Murphy started as a stand-up comedian at 15 and gained recognition on “Saturday Night Live” in the ‘80s. Soon after, he starred in films like “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Boomerang,” “Harlem Nights,” “Coming to America,” and more.
By the late ‘80s and early ’90s, Murphy had risen to superstardom and was on track to become a Hollywood icon.
“I aspired to be as funny as Richard [Pryor], as cool as Elvis [Presley], and as huge as The Beatles,” he shared in the documentary.
Film producer and director Reginald Hudlin noted Murphy’s mission.
“Eddie’s subtle goal is to address the lack of representation, like, ‘Black people haven’t had a movie like this before.’ There hadn’t been a Black romantic comedy, so we need to create one and pave the way for others.”
“Our portrayal of Black life was unique, leading to extreme reactions,” Hudlin explained. “Then and now, Hollywood has negative forces. Black movie stars faced and still face obstacles as the norm.”
During the 67th Academy Awards in 1995, Murphy used his presentation to call out the Academy for its lack of recognition for Black talent.
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“When the Academy asked me to present Best Picture, my manager informed me they chose me,” Murphy told the audience. “Initially, I refused, citing the Academy’s history of overlooking Black people in film. My manager countered, ‘But Black people have won Oscars.’”
“I might never win an Oscar for saying this, but who cares,” he remarked. “Actually, I might be safe since we seem to get one every 20 years, so we’re not due until 2004, by which time this will be forgotten.”
“I want everyone to know that Black people won’t be left behind anymore; we demand recognition,” he declared. “They agreed, and I asked about the timing. They said to arrive around nine or 10, as it’s the final award.”
Murphy later hinted that his comments might be why he’s never received an Oscar.
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“The next day, it was as if my speech never happened,” Murphy recalled in the documentary. “No photos of me, no coverage, no mention of my words. It was like I wasn’t even there, and I still haven’t gotten an Oscar. I’ve done it all.”
“I’ve explored every avenue, yet an Oscar eludes me, though I doubt it’s because of that speech,” Murphy chuckled.
“I see myself in transition as a comedian,” he reflected in the documentary. “I’m drawn to new challenges and wish to avoid repeating past work. I want to explore different roles and where I am in life, considering the major changes of marriage, children, and personal growth.”
Murphy has ten children from different relationships and married Paige Butcher in 2024, with whom he has two children.
“My children are my priority,” he emphasized. “Life used to revolve around me, but now it’s all about them.”
