History of Eddie Murphy in Timeline
Eddie Murphy is a highly acclaimed American actor, comedian, and singer. Rising to prominence as a standup comic, he transitioned to film and achieved widespread recognition as one of the greatest comedians. His accomplishments include a Golden Globe, Grammy, and Emmy Award, along with nominations for an Academy Award and BAFTA Award. He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2015 and the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2023, solidifying his impact and legacy in entertainment.
1940: Birth of Charles Edward Murphy
In 1940, Charles Edward Murphy, Eddie Murphy's father, was born. He was a transit police officer and amateur actor/comedian.
1959: Birth of Charlie Murphy
In 1959, Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy's elder brother, was born.
April 3, 1961: Edward Regan Murphy's Birth
On April 3, 1961, Edward Regan Murphy was born. He is an acclaimed American actor, comedian, and singer.
1969: Death of Charles Edward Murphy
In 1969, Charles Edward Murphy, Eddie Murphy's father, passed away. He was a transit police officer and an amateur actor and comedian.
1969: Father's Murder
In 1969, Eddie Murphy's father was murdered, an event that deeply impacted his life.
July 9, 1976: First Performance
On July 9, 1976, Eddie Murphy marks the beginning of his career, with his performance in a talent show at the Roosevelt Youth Center, impersonating Al Green.
1979: Song Parody
In 1979, Barbra Streisand's and Donna Summer's song, "No More Tears" was released. Eddie Murphy would later release a song parodying this song.
1980: Saturday Night Live Cast Member
In 1980, Eddie Murphy became a regular cast member on Saturday Night Live, marking a significant step in his career.
December 11, 1982: Hosting Saturday Night Live
On December 11, 1982, Eddie Murphy hosted Saturday Night Live after Nick Nolte became ill, becoming the only cast member to host while still a regular.
1982: Comedy album release
In 1982, Eddie Murphy released his self-titled comedy album with songs such as "Boogie in Your Butt" and "Enough Is Enough".
1983: Filming of Delirious
In 1983, Eddie Murphy filmed his stand-up special, "Delirious", in Washington, D.C.
1984: Release of Best Defense and Beverly Hills Cop
In 1984, Eddie Murphy appeared in "Best Defense" which was a critical and financial failure. Also in 1984, he starred in the successful film, "Beverly Hills Cop", which grossed over $230 million at the U.S. box office. He also won a Grammy Award for Best Comedy Recording for his album "Eddie Murphy: Comedian" in 1984.
1984: Last SNL Hosting Before Return
In 1984, Eddie Murphy hosted Saturday Night Live for the last time before his return in December 2019.
1984: Departure from Saturday Night Live
In 1984, Eddie Murphy left Saturday Night Live, concluding his tenure as a regular cast member on the show.
1984: Trading Places Plot
The plot in the 1984 film Trading Places was related to the "Eddie Murphy Rule", which was a law created in 2010.
1985: Vocal work on Honeymooners Rap
In 1985, Eddie Murphy provided vocal work on Joe Piscopo's comedy single, "The Honeymooners Rap".
1985: How Could It Be Album Release
In 1985, Eddie Murphy released his debut album How Could It Be, which included the hit single "Party All the Time."
1985: Release of How Could It Be
In 1985, Eddie Murphy released his studio album "How Could It Be" and his single "Party All the Time", which peaked at number two on the Billboard Hot 100.
1986: Launch of Eddie Murphy Television Enterprises
By 1986, Eddie Murphy launched Eddie Murphy Television Enterprises with a deal at Paramount Television and starred in The Golden Child.
1986: Starring Role in The Golden Child
In 1986, Eddie Murphy starred in "The Golden Child", establishing himself as a leading man in Hollywood.
1986: Offered a part in Star Trek IV
In 1986, Eddie Murphy was offered a part in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home.
1987: Starring Role in Beverly Hills Cop II
In 1987, Eddie Murphy reprised his role as Axel Foley in "Beverly Hills Cop II", which became a box-office success.
1987: Release of Eddie Murphy Raw
In 1987, Eddie Murphy's concert film, "Eddie Murphy Raw", was released in theaters, grossing $50 million.
1988: Deal with CBS
In 1988, Eddie Murphy and his Eddie Murphy Television Enterprises company struck a deal with CBS.
1988: Meeting Nicole Mitchell
In 1988, Eddie Murphy met Nicole Mitchell at an NAACP Image Awards show and began a romantic relationship.
1988: Starring Role in Coming to America
In 1988, Eddie Murphy starred in "Coming to America", directed by John Landis, continuing their collaboration.
July 10, 1989: Birth of Son Eric
On July 10, 1989, Eddie Murphy's son, Eric, was born with then-girlfriend Paulette McNeely.
November 18, 1989: Birth of daughter Bria
On November 18, 1989, Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell's daughter, Bria, was born.
1989: Release of So Happy
In 1989, Eddie Murphy released his studio album "So Happy".
1989: Starring role in Harlem Nights
In 1989, Eddie Murphy starred in, directed and co-wrote Harlem Nights.
1989: So Happy Album Release
In 1989, Eddie Murphy's album, So Happy, was released and it featured the song, "Put Your Mouth on Me".
November 29, 1990: Birth of Son Christian
On November 29, 1990, Eddie Murphy's son, Christian, was born with then-girlfriend Tamara Hood.
1990: Release of Another 48 Hrs.
In 1990, Eddie Murphy found some box office success with "Another 48 Hrs.".
November 7, 1992: Birth of son Myles Mitchell
On November 7, 1992, Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell's son, Myles Mitchell, was born.
1992: Michael Jackson Music Video Appearance
In 1992, Eddie Murphy appeared in the music video for Michael Jackson's "Remember the Time" alongside Magic Johnson and Iman.
1992: Release of Boomerang
In 1992, Eddie Murphy found some box office success with "Boomerang".
1992: Starring Role in Boomerang
In 1992, Eddie Murphy starred in "Boomerang", continuing his run as a leading man in the film industry.
March 18, 1993: Marriage to Nicole Mitchell
On March 18, 1993, Eddie Murphy married Nicole Mitchell at the Grand Ballroom of the Plaza Hotel in New York City.
1993: Release of Love's Alright
In 1993, Eddie Murphy released his studio album "Love's Alright".
October 10, 1994: Birth of daughter Shayne Audra
On October 10, 1994, Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell's daughter, Shayne Audra, was born.
1994: Critical panning of Beverly Hills Cop III
From 1989 onward, critical praise for Eddie Murphy's films declined, it hit a low point in 1994 with the critically panned Beverly Hills Cop III.
1994: Starring Role in Beverly Hills Cop III
In 1994, Eddie Murphy starred in "Beverly Hills Cop III", directed by John Landis, marking another collaboration between them.
1996: Starring Role in The Nutty Professor
In 1996, Eddie Murphy starred in "The Nutty Professor", where he also took on multiple roles.
May 2, 1997: Incident in West Hollywood
On May 2, 1997, Eddie Murphy was stopped by police in West Hollywood, California, with Atisone Seiuli, a transgender prostitute, in his car. He was not charged, but the incident caused him public relations problems.
1997: Starring Role in Dr. Dolittle
In 1997, Eddie Murphy starred in "Dr. Dolittle", adding to his diverse filmography.
1998: Roles in Mulan and Dr. Dolittle
In 1998, Eddie Murphy starred in the movie Mulan and Dr. Dolittle.
1998: Voice Acting in Mulan
In 1998, Eddie Murphy worked as a voice actor, providing the voice for Mushu in Disney's Mulan.
December 24, 1999: Birth of daughter Zola Ivy
On December 24, 1999, Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell's daughter, Zola Ivy, was born.
1999: Voice Acting in The PJs
From 1999 to 2001, Eddie Murphy voiced Thurgood Stubbs in the sitcom The PJs.
1999: Starring Role in Bowfinger
In 1999, Eddie Murphy starred in "Bowfinger", showcasing his versatility in comedy films.
2000: Starring Role in Nutty Professor II
In 2000, Eddie Murphy starred in "Nutty Professor II: The Klumps".
2001: Annie Award for Shrek
For Eddie Murphy's role as Donkey in Shrek (2001), he won the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in a Feature Production.
2001: Voice Acting in Shrek Franchise
From 2001 to the present, Eddie Murphy has voiced Donkey in the Shrek franchise, earning a BAFTA Award nomination.
2001: Dr. Dolittle Sequel
In 2001, Eddie Murphy starred in the Dr. Dolittle sequel.
January 29, 2002: Birth of daughter Bella Zahra
On January 29, 2002, Eddie Murphy and Nicole Mitchell's daughter, Bella Zahra, was born.
2002: Absence from SNL Retrospective
In 2002, Eddie Murphy did not participate in the making of the "Live from New York: An Uncensored History of Saturday Night Live" retrospective book, nor did he attend cast reunions or anniversary specials until his appearance on the SNL 40th anniversary special.
2002: Roles in I Spy, Showtime and The Adventures of Pluto Nash
In 2002, Eddie Murphy starred in I Spy, Showtime and The Adventures of Pluto Nash.
2003: Starring Role in Daddy Day Care
In 2003, Eddie Murphy starred in "Daddy Day Care", expanding his presence in family-friendly movies.
2003: Roles in Daddy Day Care and The Haunted Mansion
In 2003, Eddie Murphy starred in Daddy Day Care and The Haunted Mansion.
2004: "Party All the Time" Voted Among Worst Songs
In 2004, VH-1 and Blender voted Eddie Murphy's song "Party All the Time" number seven among the "50 Worst Songs of All-Time".
August 2005: Divorce Filing
In August 2005, Nicole Mitchell filed for divorce from Eddie Murphy, citing "irreconcilable differences".
April 17, 2006: Divorce Finalized
On April 17, 2006, Eddie Murphy's divorce from Nicole Mitchell was finalized.
December 2006: Questioned About Melanie Brown's Pregnancy
In December 2006, Eddie Murphy, when questioned about Melanie Brown's pregnancy, stated he didn't know whose child it was until a blood test was done.
2006: Academy Award Nomination
In 2006, Eddie Murphy earned a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dreamgirls.
2006: Starring Role in Dreamgirls
In 2006, Eddie Murphy starred in the motion picture version of the Broadway musical Dreamgirls as soul singer James "Thunder" Early, winning a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor.
2006: Golden Globe for Dreamgirls
In 2006, Eddie Murphy won a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in "Dreamgirls", receiving also a nomination for the Academy Award.
2006: "PATT (Party All the Time)" Release
In 2006, Sharam used a sample of Eddie Murphy's song "Party All the Time" for the UK No. 8 hit "PATT (Party All the Time)".
January 23, 2007: Academy Award Nomination
On January 23, 2007, Eddie Murphy was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his performance in Dreamgirls but lost to Alan Arkin.
February 2007: Release of Norbit and Academy Awards Exit
In early February 2007, Eddie Murphy's subsequent film "Norbit" was released, receiving negative reviews. Murphy exited the 79th Academy Awards as soon as Alan Arkin was announced the winner.
April 3, 2007: Birth of Angel Iris Murphy Brown
On April 3, 2007, Melanie Brown gave birth to a baby girl, Angel Iris Murphy Brown, on Eddie Murphy's 46th birthday.
June 22, 2007: Paternity Confirmed
On June 22, 2007, representatives for Melanie Brown announced that a DNA test had confirmed Eddie Murphy was the father of Angel Iris Murphy Brown.
2007: Starring Role in Norbit
In 2007, Eddie Murphy starred in "Norbit", a film where he played multiple characters.
January 1, 2008: Symbolic Marriage Ceremony with Tracey Edmonds
On January 1, 2008, Eddie Murphy exchanged vows with Tracey Edmonds in a private ceremony on an island off Bora Bora.
January 16, 2008: Decision to Forgo Legal Ceremony
On January 16, 2008, Eddie Murphy and Tracey Edmonds released a statement describing their ceremony as a symbolic union and decided to forgo having a legal ceremony.
2008: Saturday Night Live Episode
In 2008, Tina Fey played Sarah Palin on SNL. Eddie Murphy's December 2019 SNL hosting duties received overwhelming acclaim from audiences and critics alike, making it the highest watched episode since 2008 when Tina Fey played Sarah Palin.
2010: "Eddie Murphy Rule" Created
In 2010, Section 746 of the US Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act, informally known as the "Eddie Murphy Rule", was created.
2010: Relationship with Angel Iris Murphy Brown
It was reported in 2010 that Eddie Murphy was getting to know his daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown.
November 9, 2011: Drops out of Hosting the Academy Awards
On November 9, 2011, Eddie Murphy dropped out of his duties hosting the 84th Academy Awards in 2012, in the wake of the Brett Ratner scandal.
2011: Christian-based Beliefs
In 2011, Eddie Murphy remarked in an issue of Rolling Stone magazine that he has Christian-based values and beliefs.
2012: Start of relationship with Paige Butcher
In 2012, Eddie Murphy started a relationship with Paige Butcher, who he would later marry.
2012: Intended Host of Academy Awards
In 2012, Eddie Murphy was reported to host the 84th Academy Awards, but he dropped out of his hosting duties on November 9, 2011.
December 6, 2013: Beverly Hills Cop 4 Announcement
On December 6, 2013, it was announced that Eddie Murphy would star in the fourth film of the Beverly Hills Cop series.
2013: "Red Light" Single Release
In 2013, Eddie Murphy released his first single in many years titled "Red Light", a reggae song featuring Snoop Dogg.
March 8, 2014: Teaming up with Halle Berry in Miles and Me
On March 8, 2014, it was announced that Eddie Murphy would team up with Boomerang co-star Halle Berry in a new film titled Miles and Me.
June 2014: Plot Discussion for Beverly Hills Cop 4
In a June 2014 interview, Eddie Murphy discussed the plot of the Beverly Hills Cop 4 film, saying it would take place and film in Detroit.
February 2015: SNL 40th Anniversary Special Appearance
In February 2015, Eddie Murphy attended the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special where Chris Rock gave a special tribute dedicated to him. Murphy was greeted with a standing ovation but received criticism for his brief appearance and declining to tell jokes.
February 2015: SNL Cast Ranking
In February 2015, Rolling Stone ranked Eddie Murphy as the second-best SNL cast member of all time, behind John Belushi.
March 15, 2015: Playing Richard Pryor's Father in upcoming biopic
On March 15, 2015, it was announced that Eddie Murphy would play comedian Richard Pryor's father, LeRoy Pryor, in the upcoming biopic directed by Lee Daniels.
October 15, 2015: Mark Twain Prize Awarded
On October 15, 2015, Eddie Murphy was awarded the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in Washington, D.C. Several comedians and stars honored him at the event.
2015: Mark Twain Prize for American Humor
In 2015, Eddie Murphy received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
2015: Sixth-Highest Grossing Actor in the US
In 2015, Eddie Murphy's films made him the sixth-highest grossing actor in the United States.
May 3, 2016: Birth of Daughter Izzy Oona
On May 3, 2016, Eddie Murphy had a daughter Izzy Oona with Australian model Paige Butcher.
June 14, 2016: Confirmed Reprisal of Axel Foley Role
On June 14, 2016, it was confirmed that Eddie Murphy was still set to reprise his role as Axel Foley in a fourth Beverly Hills Cop film.
2016: Mr. Church Release
In 2016, Eddie Murphy co-starred with Britt Robertson in the drama Mr. Church, for which he received critical acclaim.
2017: Death of Charlie Murphy
In 2017, Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy's elder brother, passed away.
May 2018: Beverly Hills Cop Box Office Ranking
As of May 2018, Beverly Hills Cop was 46th in the list of all-time U.S. box office grossers after adjusting for inflation.
September 2018: Engagement to Paige Butcher
In September 2018, Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher became engaged to be married.
November 30, 2018: Birth of Son Max Charles
On November 30, 2018, Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher's son, Max Charles, was born.
October 2019: Dolemite Is My Name Release and Acclaim
In October 2019, Eddie Murphy produced and starred in Dolemite Is My Name as Rudy Ray Moore. The film was distributed on Netflix and received overwhelming critical acclaim. Murphy also received a Golden Globe Award nomination for his work.
December 2019: Return to Saturday Night Live
In December 2019, Eddie Murphy returned to Saturday Night Live to promote Dolemite; this was his first time hosting since 1984. His hosting duties received acclaim and he reprised his popular SNL characters.
December 2019: Beverly Hills Cop 4 Moves to Netflix
In December 2019, it was reported that Beverly Hills Cop 4, starring Eddie Murphy, had moved to Netflix.
2019: Richard Pryor Biopic in Development Hell
As of 2019, the project for Eddie Murphy to play Richard Pryor's father remains in development hell.
2019: Starring Role in Dolemite Is My Name
In 2019, Eddie Murphy had a career resurgence with a leading role in the film "Dolemite Is My Name".
2019: Critics' Choice Award for Lifetime Achievement
In 2019, Eddie Murphy received the Critics' Choice Award for Lifetime Achievement.
2020: Primetime Emmy Award Win
In 2020, Eddie Murphy won his first Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy Series for hosting Saturday Night Live.
March 2021: Coming 2 America Release
In March 2021, Eddie Murphy and most of the cast reprised their roles in the Coming to America sequel Coming 2 America, which was released.
September 2021: Deal with Amazon Studios
In September 2021, Eddie Murphy and his Eddie Murphy Productions company signed a deal with Amazon Studios.
2021: Coming 2 America Release
In 2021, Eddie Murphy reprised the role as the character Randy Watson in Coming 2 America, a role he originally played in Coming to America.
2021: Starring Role in Coming 2 America
In 2021, Eddie Murphy starred in "Coming 2 America", a sequel to his earlier hit film.
March 31, 2022: George Clinton Biopic Announcement
On March 31, 2022, it was announced that Eddie Murphy will portray George Clinton in an untitled biopic.
2023: Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2023, Eddie Murphy received the Cecil B. DeMille Award, an honor celebrating his outstanding contributions to the entertainment field.
2023: Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award
In 2023, Eddie Murphy received the Golden Globe Cecil B. DeMille Award.
2023: Roles in You People and Candy Cane Lane
In 2023, Eddie Murphy starred in the films "You People" and "Candy Cane Lane", adding to his recent career resurgence.
June 2024: Beverly Hills Cop 5 in Development
In June 2024, Eddie Murphy and Bruckheimer revealed that a fifth Beverly Hills Cop film was already in development.
July 3, 2024: Release of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, starring Eddie Murphy, was released on July 3, 2024 on Netflix.
July 2024: Wedding to Paige Butcher
In July 2024, Eddie Murphy married Paige Butcher in a private ceremony in Anguilla.
2024: Role in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
In 2024, Eddie Murphy starred in "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F".
July 1, 2026: Shrek 5 Release Date
Eddie Murphy will reprise his role as Donkey in Shrek 5, set for release on July 1, 2026.
