Eddie Murphy has always been more than just a comic or an actor; he’s been a cultural icon. Murphy is back in the spotlight as he nears his 50th year in show business. This time, it’s through a new Netflix documentary called Being Eddie. He talks about his long, interesting career and the thoughts that come with being one of Hollywood’s most famous stars in it.
The famous musician talked openly about how he had changed as an artist and as a person during a private conversation. In an interview with People, he noted, “My most important blessing is that I love myself.” “I’ve always loved myself and been my biggest fan.” That’s the main thing that guides all of your choices. Some people live their whole lives and don’t love themselves until the end. That’s how I started.
Eddie Murphy’s career has always been consistent because of his self-confidence. Murphy’s confidence has frequently been the thread that ties his career together, from the raw energy of a young stand-up comic to the calm maturity of a seasoned celebrity. He never just did it for the plaudits; he did it because he really believed in what he was doing. And that belief helped him get through five decades of upheaval, problems, and starting over.
Next year will be his 50th year in show business, a milestone that few people in this cutthroat and cruel trade can claim. “In a business where people come and go, most people don’t get 50 years,” Murphy pondered. This is a simple but strong message from a man who has watched stardom come and go while staying at the top.
Murphy’s rise to fame began in the late 1970s and early 1980s, when his stage presence made him one of the youngest stand-up stars in the United States. His bold humour, quick wit, and ability to impersonate anyone made him famous almost right away. When he joined Saturday Night Live in 1980, his funny sketches and one-liners didn’t only make people laugh; they transformed the way TV comedy was done. Murphy brought a new level of intensity, cultural knowledge, and daring to the stage.
Murphy was unstoppable by the time Hollywood came knocking. His early films, such as 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop, became immediate classics and made him one of the biggest cinematic stars of the 1980s. These weren’t simply hits; they changed the way action-comedy films were made and introduced a new kind of leading man who could be funny, charming, and tough all at the same time. Murphy’s chuckle became famous, his confidence drew others to him, and his success was unstoppable.
Murphy’s tale is interesting not only because of how famous he is, but also because he has stayed famous. The entertainment business is cutthroat; stars rise swiftly and fall even faster. But Eddie Murphy has stayed important to people of all ages. In the 1990s and 2000s, he changed his image by taking on a variety of parts that showed off his range. Movies like The Nutty Professor showed off his talent for physical humour and changing his appearance, while Dreamgirls reminded everyone of how deep he could be as an actor. And who could forget Shrek? His voice as Donkey became a favourite of youngsters and adults all across the world.
Murphy has made mistakes in his career, of course. He has experienced big office failures like The Adventures of Pluto Nash, yet even those times showed how strong he is. Every failure seemed to lead him to a new chapter, not the conclusion. He has mentioned several times that his long career taught him when to step back and when to come back. That kind of self-awareness, which isn’t common in the entertainment industry, has helped him keep his dignity and stay in the business for a long time.
Murphy has been less loud about being famous in the last few years. He has decided to put his family, his peace, and initiatives that are important to him first. Being Eddie, his new documentary, shows that change. He said, “Being Eddie is a great thing.” “It’s just a different life that I’ve lived.” In his statements, there is a quiet understanding that his trip has been amazing, even with its flaws.
Murphy also talked about how his early family life affected him. He saw a lot of rough times and emotional tension growing up in Brooklyn, notably when his mother was having a terrible time. He stated quietly of the loss of his father and the difficult relationships he had as a child, “I’m sure it affected me in a lot of different ways.” These reflections present a different side of him—one based on experience and empathy—for admirers who have liked his confidence and charm.
Eddie Murphy is still unique after all these years because he can change without losing who he is. He has been the crazy comedian, the Hollywood star, the family man, and now the thoughtful narrator. Each stage has made his public character more complex and made his work more real. It’s not simply nostalgia to see him look back on five decades; it’s seeing someone who has lived multiple lives in one amazing career.
Murphy easily carries on his legacy at 64. He doesn’t chase the spotlight anymore; it just follows him. Younger comedians look up to him, actors enjoy how versatile he is, and audiences still love his performances. Not many musicians stay popular for so long, and even fewer get more appreciation over time.
His story shows that being famous or rich isn’t the only thing that matters in show business; knowing who you are is just as important. Murphy’s early trust in self-love wasn’t arrogant; it was what made him who he was. It helped him deal with the ups and downs of celebrity without losing sight of who he was. That’s perhaps his biggest accomplishment in a profession where love is short-lived.
As Being Eddie gets ready to come out, people will get to know the man behind the laughing better. The documentary promises to show not only a look back at the person’s profession, but also a look at their life that promotes humour, resilience, and self-acceptance. Murphy’s advice after fifty years of making people laugh is stunningly simple: love yourself first, and everything else will fall into place.
