History of Eddie Murphy in Timeline

Eddie Murphy is an acclaimed American comedian, actor, and singer. Beginning as a stand-up comic, he achieved widespread fame through his movie roles, becoming recognized as one of history's greatest comedians. His honors include a Golden Globe, Grammy, and Emmy Award, along with nominations for an Academy Award and BAFTA. He received the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor in 2015, the Cecil B. DeMille Award in 2023, and the AFI Life Achievement Award in 2026.

Sections (4)

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

1984: Release of "Trading Places"

In 1984, the film "Trading Places" was released, featuring a plot where illegally acquired market information was used to short sell frozen orange juice concentrate.

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May 2, 1997: Police Stop in West Hollywood

On May 2, 1997, Eddie Murphy was stopped by police in West Hollywood, California, at 4:45 a.m. with Atisone Seiuli, a transgender prostitute, in his car. While no charges were filed against Murphy, the incident led to public relation issues.

2001: Annie Award 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 for the same role, making it the only voice-over performance to be nominated in BAFTA's history to date.

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2006: Academy Award Nomination for Dreamgirls

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

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2010: Enactment of the Dodd–Frank Act

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