Eddie Murphy Documentary Reveals Untold Stories Behind the Comedy Icon
Netflix's new documentary Being Eddie offers rare insights into the life of comedy legend Eddie Murphy, featuring perspectives from industry heavyweights including Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, and Jerry Seinfeld.
Breaking Hollywood's Racial Barriers
The documentary explores Murphy's groundbreaking impact on Hollywood's representation. Murphy reflects on how, prior to his success, there was typically only one prominent Black actor at a time in mainstream cinema.
"For years it was, you know, one at a time that would get you the mass appeal and be in big movies. In the '60s it was Sidney Poitier, then Richard [Pryor] was the one person that became the man," Murphy explains.
Producer Jerry Bruckheimer reveals the industry's scepticism about casting Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop, noting that no African American actor had previously grossed more than $25 million. "The conventional wisdom was it wasn't going to work," Bruckheimer recalls. The film's 14-week run at number one proved doubters wrong.
The Saturday Night Live Reconciliation
One of the documentary's most revealing segments addresses Murphy's three-and-a-half-decade absence from Saturday Night Live. This hiatus began after a 1995 sketch featuring David Spade labelled Murphy a "fallen star".
Murphy demonstrates remarkable grace in discussing the incident, acknowledging that such content required multiple approvals before broadcast. His eventual return to host in December 2019 marked his first appearance since 1984.
Family and Personal Resilience
The documentary showcases Murphy's extensive family, including his ten children. While avoiding detailed discussion of past legal disputes, the film presents a comprehensive view of his personal life through family photographs and interviews.
Perhaps most significantly, Murphy credits his survival in Hollywood not to his comedic talent, but to his self-respect and decision to abstain from drugs and alcohol. As Dave Chappelle observes in the documentary: "The biggest success in show business, first and foremost, is surviving this s**t."
The Real Eddie Murphy
Despite his numerous iconic characters, from Coming to America to Shrek, Murphy suggests audiences have never truly seen the real him. The documentary attempts to bridge this gap, though some mysteries remain deliberately unexplored.
Murphy's journey from Saturday Night Live breakthrough to Golden Globe winner and Oscar nominee illustrates not just comedic evolution, but cultural transformation within the entertainment industry.