'The Interview': Eddie Murphy Is Ready to Look Back

Eddie Murphy, in his early 20s, not only took Hollywood by storm with hit films like "48 Hours" and "Beverly Hills Cop," but revolutionized the role of comics in the movie industry and broke down long-standing barriers for Black actors.

Murphy transformed the image of the comedian in Hollywood from being relegated to the role of the sidekick to becoming the main attraction. His success demonstrated that a comedian could not only sell out arenas but also headline blockbuster movies with global appeal. Murphy shifted public perception by showing that a comic could lead films grossing over $100 million.

Despite his young age, Murphy's stardom seemed inevitable to him, even though he often appeared oblivious to the trailblazing nature of his achievements and the obstacles that accompanied such rapid success. Reflecting on his early days, he acknowledges that he began thinking about fame around the ages of 13 or 14, telling his mother he would be famous one day.

After the success of "48 Hours," Murphy's life transformed as he received an unprecedented five-picture deal with Paramount for $15 million. Marlon Brando, whom Murphy regarded as "the greatest actor of all times," invited him to dinner, reflecting the huge impact and recognition Murphy garnered early on.

Despite Murphy's rapid rise to fame, he admits to taking his success for granted, as if it were natural (“that's what it's supposed to be, right?”), and only in hindsight does he recognize the remarkableness of those moments. It was unusual for a young Black artist to lead major international films, and only later did Murphy fully understand the magnitude and impact of what he was achieving.

Murphy candidly discusses the longevity of his fame, with ongoing discussions to develop another Beverly Hills Cop movie—a project that dates back to 1996. He credits the success of the Beverly Hills Cop series to understanding by the original producer, Jerry Bruckheimer, highlighting ho ...

Eddie Murphy’s ascent in the comedy world involved complex dynamics with fellow comedy legends, particularly Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby, against the backdrop of an industry that had limited space for black artists.

Murphy's relationships with fellow comedy icons like Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby were complex, with a mix of admiration, competitiveness, and tensions stemming from the industry's limited opportunities for black artists.

Pryor served as a mentor and inspiration to the young Murphy, who cherished the moments he was able to make the legendary comedian laugh, while Cosby took issue with Murphy's use of profanity and edgy material.

Murphy holds Richard Pryor in high regard, viewing him as a reflection of himself since he sought to emulate him. They shared a kinship, exemplified by the moment Murphy played a cassette of his first album for Pryor on a plane from Georgia, making Pryor laugh. This mutual respect and lack of threat felt by Pryor defined one aspect of Murphy's relationships within the industry.

In contrast, Bill Cosby criticized Murphy for his profane and edgy stage material. Cosby, observing the shifting comedy landscape with Murphy's rise, expressed his disapproval, partly out of feeling his own status in the industry was threatened.

Murphy's interactions reveal the delicate balance of reverence towards the icons that paved the way while navigating the competitiveness present among them. He aspired to meet Pryor and to impress him with his humor, which he achieved. Conversely, Cosby's admonishment showed a generational divide and discomfort with the changing norms that Murphy represented.

The environment for black entertainers at the time was described as a competitive landscape where only "one black person at a time was getting in the mix," and both Pryor's affable mentorship and Cosby's critical stance are indicative of the pressures that shaped their responses to Murphy.

Murphy faced racist and derogatory coverage from the media, who struggled to understand and accept his rapid rise to fame as a successful, wealthy black entertainer, even facing criticism from members of his own community.

As Murphy navigated the highs of his growing fame, he ...

Eddie Murphy’s relationship with stardom has been a conscientious journey of recognizing the rarity of his success, the pressures that accompany it, and adhering to a love for comedy that transcends the pitfalls of fame.

Murphy has always seen his career as special and his ability to make people laugh as a profound blessing. He discusses the mixed blessings of fame, a phenomenon he has experienced firsthand. Murphy likens his situation to other stars at their peak, alluding to the difficulties such as high pressures and potential downfalls that accompany superstardom.

Murphy appreciates the effort and work involved in filmmaking. Despite the tedious "hurry up and wait" nature of movie-making, he finds joy in the process, especially when the finished product is successful and resonates with audiences.

Murphy's experience with fame and success at a young age shaped his outlook

Murphy acknowledged his rapid rise to success and came to appreciate its rarity. He distinguishes himself from many of his peers by avoiding drugs and alcohol, crediting self-awareness and divine intervention for guiding him along a more stable path. He recounts a particular instance where he refused cocaine offered by John Belushi and Robin Williams. Later in life, at the age of 30, he found his first experience with marijuana amusing and harmless.

Murphy also shares a lesson he learned from Richard Pryor regarding the futility of questioning one's fortune or misfortune. He absorbed the importance of appreciating his blessings without dwelling on why success came his way.

Despite Murphy's self-aware navigation of his success, he has encountered challenges in bringing to life personal and self-indicated creative projects.

Murphy remains committed to crafting work that he finds genuinely funny, rather than chasing trends or trying to cater to audience expectations

Murphy’s creative integrity shines as he speaks candidly about the difficulties of making successful sequels to movies like "Beverly Hills Cop." He notes that previous attempts like "Beverly Hills Cop 3" fell short due to missing emotional hooks and other issues. Through it all, Murphy takes pride in having produced more than just a handful of good films, showing his commitment to retaining his unique comedic voice instead of conforming to passing trends.

He shares the story of his project "Murray Murray," a trailer for a nonexistent movie that he considered making but ultimately set aside due to its self-i ...