This Day In History: April 3rd
From performing stand-up routines at local clubs to becoming one of the highest-earning comedians in the genre, Eddie Murphy has shown audiences around the world how far laughter can take you. Edward Regan Murphy was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York.
Here are five things to know about the legendary comedian!
- Started A Stand-Up Comedy Career As A Teenager. As a child, Eddie Murphy found an interest in television and soon developed an ability to do impersonations of different cartoon characters. At the age of 15, he decided to focus on comedy after successfully performing in a talent show doing an impersonation of singer Al Green. Murphy pushed himself to make it in the entertainment industry. He began working on his comedy routine after school and performing stand-up locally.
- Mainstream And Box Office Success. After gaining popularity in New York City Venues, Murphy learned of a potential opportunity with the hit show Saturday Night Live. Producers were seeking a Black cast member for the upcoming season and Murphy seized the opportunity. He had to audition for the part multiple times but was selected to be an extra on the show. Murphy went from an extra to a fan favorite over the course of his SNL career. He made his transition to the big screen with his debut role in the film 48 Hours. Murphy has more than 70 acting credits to his name and he has starred in more than two dozen films including Coming To America, Doctor Dolittle, Dreamgirls, Vampire In Brooklyn and many more.
- More Than A Comedian. Despite being a known comedian, Eddie Murphy has also been a recording artist, writer and director. In 1985 released his first musical album, How Could it Be? It was produced by Rick James and the album’s first single was, “Party All the Time,” which peaked at No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100. Just four years later, Murphy made his directorial debut with the film “Harlem Nights.”
- A Father Of 10. The famed comedian is a father of 10 and they range in age from toddlers to grown adults. His oldest child is Eric Murphy and he is followed by Christian Murphy, the second oldest. Murphy has five children with ex-wife and model Nicole Mitchell (formerly Murphy). The pair had 4 daughters (Bria, Shayne, Zola and Bella) and a son named Miles. He also shares a daughter with former Spice Girls band member Melanie “Mel B.” Brown. Murphy’s youngest children are Max Charles (in honor of the late Charlie Murphy) and Izzy Murphy.
- High Profile. High Pay. According to celebritynetworth.com, Eddie Murphy has earned himself a net worth of $200 million. He is one of the highest-grossing actors in film history. His popular stand-up special, Raw, still holds the number one spot for being the highest-grossing stand-up at the box office. Overall, Murphy has brought in more than $5 billion at the worldwide box office.
Through his edgy style and delivery, Eddie Murphy changed the comedy scene and was able to be an influence for future generations of comedians. Murphy’s success is noted by his induction into the NAACP Image Awards Hall Of Fame, his No. 10 ranking on Comedy Central’s list of the 100 Greatest Stand-ups of All Time, and his No. 25 ranking on Rolling Stone’s list of the 50 Best Stand-Up Comics of All Time.
