Eddie Murphy (born April 3, 1961) is an American comedian, actor and singer who broke through on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s before becoming one of Hollywood's biggest box-office draws with films like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America and the Shrek franchise. His Oscar-nominated turn in Dreamgirls (2006) showed a dramatic range that went well beyond comedy. In April 2026 he received the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award - the highest honor in American film - making him only the fourth Black artist to be so recognized.
Eddie Murphy received the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood on April 18, 2026, becoming only the fourth Black artist to receive the honor.
Netflix released 'Being Eddie', a documentary directed by two-time Oscar winner Angus Wall, giving audiences an inside look at Murphy's nearly 50-year career.
Murphy's son Eric married Jasmin Lawrence, daughter of comedian Martin Lawrence, in May 2025.
Sony Pictures announced 'Blue Falcon', an action comedy starring Murphy as a retired superspy, with a script by Chad St. John.
Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F debuted on Netflix on July 3, 2024, racking up 41 million views in its first five days - the biggest Netflix movie premiere of that year.
