If you are a fan of comedy, you might have heard of Charlie Murphy and Eddie Murphy, two of the most hilarious and successful comedians in the industry. But are they related? And if so, how close were they? In this article, we will answer these questions and reveal some interesting facts about the Murphy brothers.
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Who is Charlie Murphy?
Charlie Murphy was born on July 12, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the eldest son of Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer and amateur actor, and Lillian Laney, a telephone operator⁵. He had one younger brother, Eddie Murphy, who was born on April 3, 1961.
Charlie served in the United States Navy for six years before pursuing a career in entertainment. He worked as a security guard for his brother Eddie, who had become a rising star on Saturday Night Live. He also appeared in some of Eddie’s movies, such as Harlem Nights, Vampire in Brooklyn, and Norbit.
However, Charlie’s breakthrough came when he joined the cast of Comedy Central’s Chappelle’s Show in 2003. He became famous for his “True Hollywood Stories” segments, where he recounted his hilarious encounters with celebrities like Rick James and Prince. He also starred in other shows and movies, such as Black Jesus, The Boondocks, Are We There Yet?, and Meet the Blacks.
Who is Eddie Murphy?
Eddie Murphy is one of the most successful and influential comedians of all time. He was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. He was the youngest son of Charles Edward Murphy and Lillian Laney. His father died when he was eight years old, and his mother remarried to Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Breyer’s ice cream plant.
Eddie discovered his talent for comedy at a young age. He started performing stand-up comedy at local clubs when he was 15 years old. He joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1980, when he was 19 years old. He quickly became a fan favorite for his impressions of celebrities like Bill Cosby, James Brown, Muhammad Ali, and Stevie Wonder.
Eddie also launched a successful movie career, starring in blockbuster hits such as 48 Hrs., Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, Shrek, and Dreamgirls. He has won numerous awards and accolades for his work, including a Golden Globe, an Emmy nomination, an Oscar nomination, and the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor.
How Close Were Charlie and Eddie?
Charlie and Eddie were very close as brothers and as comedians. They supported each other’s careers and often collaborated on projects. Eddie told Variety in 2016 that Charlie was his favorite person to impersonate. “I’ve been doing him since I was two or three. He was my first impression,” Eddie said.
In a 2009 interview with Essence, Charlie spoke about his relationship with Eddie. “I’ve never felt like I was living in anyone’s shadow,” Charlie said. “My life was what it was. I was always proud of my brother. He helped me tremendously, but we’re family so we were never in his shadow.”
Sadly, both brothers faced tragedies in their personal lives. Charlie’s wife, Tisha Taylor Murphy, died of cervical cancer in 2009. She left behind three children: Xavier, Ava, and Max. Charlie himself died of leukemia in 2017 at the age of 57². Eddie paid tribute to his brother by dedicating his 2019 film Dolemite Is My Name to him.
Conclusion
Charlie Murphy and Eddie Murphy were not only related by blood but also by comedy. They were two of the funniest and most talented comedians in the history of entertainment. They shared a strong bond as brothers and as friends. They made millions of people laugh with their jokes and stories. They will always be remembered for their legacy and their love..
