History of Eddie Murphy in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: May 31, 2026

Eddie Murphy is a highly influential American comedian, actor, and singer, celebrated as one of the greatest comedians of all time and a prominent Black artist in entertainment. Rising from stand-up comedy to film stardom, he's garnered numerous accolades, including a Golden Globe, Grammy, and Emmy Award. He has also received nominations for an Academy Award and a BAFTA Award. His contributions have been recognized with prestigious honors like the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor (2015), the Cecil B. DeMille Award (2023), and the AFI Life Achievement Award (2026).

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1984: Release of "Trading Places"

In 1984, the movie "Trading Places" was released. The plot involves using illegally acquired market information to short sell frozen orange juice concentrate. This plot later inspired the "Eddie Murphy Rule".

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May 2, 1997: Traffic Stop Incident

On May 2, 1997, Eddie Murphy was stopped by police in West Hollywood, California, with Atisone Seiuli, a transgender prostitute, in his car at 4:45 a.m. While Murphy was not charged with any crime, the incident resulted in public relations issues for him.

2001: Annie Award and BAFTA Nomination for Shrek

In 2001, Eddie Murphy won the Annie Award for Outstanding Achievement for Voice Acting in a Feature Production for his role as Donkey in "Shrek". He was also nominated for the BAFTA Award for Best Actor in a Supporting Role, marking the only voice-over performance to ever be nominated in BAFTA's history.

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2006: Academy Award Nomination

In 2006, Eddie Murphy received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Dreamgirls, but he lost to Alan Arkin for Little Miss Sunshine.

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2010: "Eddie Murphy Rule" Enacted

In 2010, Section 746 of the US Dodd–Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Protection Act became informally known as the "Eddie Murphy Rule." This rule prohibits securities trading based on non-public information misappropriated from a government source.