Eddie Murphy began his career as a stand-up comedian and cast member on Saturday Night Live. Then, in 1988, he took on the star-turning role of the crown prince of the fictional Zamunda in Coming to America, along with other characters, including Sexual Chocolate singer Randy Watson, barber Clarence and Jewish barbershop customer Saul.
Murphy continued to remain a fixture on the big screen throughout the '90s. He starred in Boomerang (1992), Vampire in Brooklyn (1995), Metro (1997), Holy Man (1998), Life (1999) and Bowfinger (1999). He was cast as lead in The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002), I Spy (2002), Daddy Day Care (2003), Norbit (2007), Meet Dave (2008), Imagine That (2009), Tower Heist (2011), A Thousand Words (2012), Mr. Church (2016), Dolemite Is My Name (2019) and You People (2023).
In addition to Murphy reprising his roles in the Beverly Hills Cop, Nutty Professor, Dr. Dolittle and Shrek film series, he returned as Akeem in the Coming 2 America sequel, which premiered on Amazon Prime Video in March 2021.
Beyond TV and film, the Emmy-winning actor has released three albums. His debut 1985 album, How Could It Be, included the lead single "Party All the Time." He followed it up with 1989's So Happy and 1993's Love's Alright.
In 2007, Murphy won a Golden Globe for his performance as James "Thunder" Early in the 2006 film adaptation of Dreamgirls. That same year, he received an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Murphy is engaged to fiancée and Australian model Paige Butcher, with whom he shares two children: Izzy Oona and Max Charles. Murphy and Butcher have been together since 2012. He was previously married to Nicole Murphy for 12 years and had a symbolic union with Tracey Edmonds.
Throughout Murphy's relationship history, he has fathered 10 children, including Izzy and Max. Murphy referred to his kids as "amazing" when honored with the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2023 Golden Globes in January.
