Quick Read
- Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s older brother, died in 2017 at age 57 after battling leukemia.
- Charlie was a celebrated comedian and actor, known for his work on Chappelle’s Show and in several films.
- Eddie Murphy discusses Charlie’s influence and loss in the new Netflix documentary ‘Being Eddie’.
- Charlie contributed to Eddie’s career as both a collaborator and supportive sibling.
The Legacy of Charlie Murphy: More Than a Brother, a Comedic Force
For decades, Eddie Murphy has been a towering figure in Hollywood—a name synonymous with comedy, creativity, and resilience. Yet, behind the laughter and the blockbuster success stories, another Murphy shaped this journey in ways not always visible on stage or screen. Charlie Murphy, Eddie’s older brother, was not only a gifted comedian and actor but also a source of strength and inspiration whose influence is finally coming into full view thanks to Netflix’s new documentary, Being Eddie.
Charlie Murphy’s Early Years: Shadows and Spotlight
Born and raised in Brooklyn, Charlie Murphy’s childhood was marked by both hardship and hope. The Murphy brothers lost their father, Charles, to a tragic murder when Eddie was still a child. This painful experience carved deep grooves into the family’s story, leaving both boys to navigate trauma and uncertainty. Eddie has often credited his mother’s remarriage to Vernon Lynch Sr. for bringing much-needed stability, but it was Charlie who provided a unique brand of encouragement—equal parts tough love and comedic relief.
While Eddie’s ascent to stardom began with stand-up gigs in New York and a legendary run on Saturday Night Live, Charlie was watching, learning, and finding his own voice. In rare archive clips featured in Being Eddie, Charlie fondly recalls those early days: “I can remember when my brother would go and he’d do a high school or he would go to Hofstra University. Little sets he was doing around the area, and the ability to go in front of an audience and express yourself and make them laugh. That was really amazing to me that he had that power.”
Comedy, Collaboration, and Charlie’s Own Spotlight
Though he sometimes stood in Eddie’s formidable shadow, Charlie Murphy carved out his own space in the world of entertainment. His career gained traction with memorable appearances on Chappelle’s Show, where his raw storytelling and sharp wit earned him legions of fans. Charlie’s Hollywood resume is a testament to his versatility: from acting roles in films like Night at the Museum and Jungle Fever, to writing credits and supporting performances in Eddie’s own projects—Norbit, Harlem Nights, and Vampire in Brooklyn among them.
It’s easy to overlook the collaborative spirit that defined their relationship. Their brother Vernon Lynch also played a behind-the-scenes role, co-writing on projects that brought the Murphy family’s creative energies together. Charlie wasn’t just a sibling; he was a confidant, a creative partner, and, as Eddie describes, “nobody was funnier there.”
The Pain of Loss: Eddie Murphy Opens Up
In Being Eddie, the subject of loss emerges as a defining theme. For Eddie, the death of Charlie in 2017 at age 57—after a battle with leukemia—was a wound that cut deeper than most. It’s the only moment in the documentary where Eddie’s legendary composure falters, his face reflecting the pain beneath the persona.
The Murphy family’s statement at the time of Charlie’s passing spoke volumes: “Our hearts are heavy with the loss today of our son, brother, father, uncle and friend Charlie. Charlie filled our family with love and laughter and there won’t be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed.” Eddie echoes this in the film, confessing, “There’s nobody like Charlie. Nobody was funnier there. And some of my biggest laughs in my life are Charlie. I miss my brother.”
He goes on to share how he copes with grief: “I have this thing with death and when people would pass away. Every now and then, a memory will pop up and I touch it and then I feel it, this stuff bubbling up. And then I’ll go ‘Oh OK.’ I just touch little memories. I don’t be going and wallowing in it.” The sentiment is strikingly honest—a glimpse into the emotional landscape of a man more often celebrated for his quick wit than his vulnerability.
Charlie’s Influence: The Murphy Family, Comedy, and Beyond
Charlie Murphy’s legacy is woven into the very fabric of Eddie’s life and career. From funding the burials of comedy legends like Redd Foxx and Rick James to supporting his siblings and children, Eddie’s sense of responsibility and generosity reflects lessons learned from Charlie’s example. The Murphy family, now spanning ten children and multiple generations, remains a testament to resilience and unity.
In the documentary, Eddie describes the joy and pride he feels as a father, saying, “It just happened… I never knew I would have 10 kids, but now it’s the best thing ever. If you can afford that many kids, you should have as many kids as you can afford. That is fun.” The underlying message: family is what endures, even as fame and fortune ebb and flow.
Charlie’s presence also lingers in Eddie’s professional choices. The long-awaited return to Saturday Night Live in 2019—after decades away—was a full-circle moment for Eddie. Joined by fellow comedy giants Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Tracy Morgan, he embraced the kinship and impact of his comedic journey, a path Charlie had helped pave.
Remembering Charlie Murphy: A Lasting Impact
Charlie Murphy’s story is one of perseverance, creativity, and love—a reminder that even the brightest stars are shaped by those who walk beside them. His humor, honesty, and support continue to resonate, not just in Eddie Murphy’s work, but in the broader world of comedy.
As Being Eddie draws to a close, the portrait of Charlie is clear: a man who saw greatness in his brother, carved out his own legacy, and left behind a well of laughter and memories that will never fade.
Charlie Murphy’s impact on comedy and family is a powerful illustration of how real strength often lies not in the spotlight, but in the unwavering support and love shared behind the scenes. His story, as revealed in Eddie Murphy’s candid reflections, highlights the vital role that connection, resilience, and humor play in shaping a lasting legacy.