Eddie Murphy’s done it all — movie star, comedy king, cultural icon — but his new Netflix documentary, “Being Eddie” peels back layers even longtime fans didn’t know existed. Featuring interviews from Hollywood faves including Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock and more, the film touches on the superstar’s regrets, memorable moments, and personal quirks behind the fame. And let’s just say, some of these revelations might catch even the biggest Eddie Murphy fans off guard.
So what exactly does “Being Eddie” reveal about the man behind the legend? Here are four takeaways we’ve gathered about one of entertainment’s greatest comedians and storytellers.
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David Spade’s “Racist” “SNL” Skit Hurt Murphy’s Feelings
The main reason Murphy didn’t return to “Saturday Night Live” for years was because of a “cheap shot” David Spade took at his career during a segment called “Hollywood Minute,” showing a photo of Murphy poking: “Look children. It’s a falling star. Make a wish.”
While he was aware his film “Vampire in Brooklyn” marked a career low, he never expected Spade — a former cast member — to take a dig at his expense. “It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you,” Murphy expressed. “At my career, not how funny I was. Called me a falling star.”
“It was like, ‘Yo, how could you do that?’ My career? Really? A joke about my career?’ So I thought that was a cheap shot. And it was kind of, I thought — I felt it was racist,” Murphy added, per the New York Post. That said, the star harbors no animosity regarding the 1995 incident.
“I’m cool with everybody,” he concluded. “It’s all love.”
Murphy Recalls Early Signs of OCD During Childhood
The “Boomerang” star recalled experiencing symptoms of Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) during early childhood. However, when he found out the repeated act was considered a “mental illness” while watching TV, he forcefully broke away from his habits.
“I didn’t know what it was,” Murphy said. “One day I was watching the news and they did something on OCD,” he explained, “and it was like, ‘Oh… I be doing shit like that,’” he pointed out.”I thought I was weird, I didn’t know I had mental illness…‘Mental illness, my ass.’ And I forced myself to stop doing it.”
Mind you, he revealed he still checks the gas on his stove. And only once in a while, he’ll check it twice to be sure.
Murphy “Wasn’t Even Curious” About Hard Drugs
Murphy was no stranger to partying with 1980s Punk Funk legend Rick James. However, when drugs arrived on the scene, the comedian always made a smooth exit. “I was never curious about it,” Murphy revealed. “I never wanted to go in there and check it out or nothing. I just wasn’t with it.”
When he tagged alongside John Belushi and Robin Williams to a blues bar, the opportunity presented itself again, but he stuck to his guns.
“They put some blow on the table, and I’m standing there… two heroes,” Murphy explained. “I wasn’t even curious. I was just not with it. I’ve never even tried cocaine or touched cocaine … I don’t drink. I don’t smoke cigarettes.”
Murphy Rejected an Invitation to “Party” With Yul Brynner and His Wife
The beloved comedian spent his 21st birthday at the legendary Studio 54 — and the night was memorable for a particular reason. While tagging alongside Yul Brynner from “The Ten Commandments,” Murphy says the star propositioned him to come “party” with him and his wife, but respectfully declined.
“He was with his wife (Kathy Lee Brynner), and he was like, “How would you like to go back to my apartment with my wife and I and party?’ ” Murphy explained. “And I was like, ‘Nah, I’m cool.’”
The comedian later admitted the story may have been way more interesting had he actually accepted the offer. “Now, I wish I would have went,” he said. “The story would end better,” he joked.
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