What is Eddie Murphy doing now – why he stopped making movies
During the 1980s and 1990s, Eddie Murphy was an iconic figure in the world of comedy. He burst onto the scene at just 19 with a memorable debut on Saturday Night Live and went on to dominate the silver screen in hit films like 48 Hrs, Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, and Coming to America. Eddie quickly solidified his position as a Hollywood heavyweight, known for his sharp wit and edgy humor.
In the subsequent phase of his career, Eddie shifted towards family-friendly entertainment. Movies like The Nutty Professor, Dr. Dolittle, and his voice roles in animated classics such as Mulan and the Shrek series showcased his remarkable versatility. His role in Dreamgirls demonstrated his extensive talent, earning him an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor in 2007.
Eddie’s influence on comedy is undeniable, ranking at No. 10 on Comedy Central’s list of the top 100 comedians of all time. He also holds the record for the highest-grossing stand-up comedy performance with Eddie Murphy: Raw. His illustrious career undoubtedly contributed to his impressive net worth.
However, around the 2010s, Eddie mysteriously disappeared from the big screen for six years. In a candid 2021 conversation on WTF With Marc Maron while promoting Coming 2 America, he discussed the reasons behind this unexpected hiatus. He candidly admitted, “I was making these movies,” and the toll of harsh critical reviews had taken its toll. The Golden Raspberry Awards, known as the Razzies, had singled him out with a “worst actor ever” Razzie. Eddie humorously remarked, “Maybe it’s time to take a break when you get the ‘worst actor ever’ Razzie.”
To clarify, the Razzie Eddie received in 2010 was for “worst actor of the decade,” citing his involvement in less well-received films such as The Adventures of Pluto Nash, I Spy, Imagine That, Meet Dave, Norbit, and Showtime.
Initially planning only a year-long break, Eddie found himself on the couch for six years. While the allure of relaxation was tempting, concerns about his legacy and the quality of his recent films began to weigh on him. He didn’t want his cinematic journey to be defined by a string of disappointments. This realization sparked a newfound determination.
Eddie decided to get off the couch and remind everyone of his comedic prowess. His comeback strategy was carefully crafted, including roles in projects like the Netflix series You People, Dolemite Is My Name, and Coming 2 America. He also returned to host Saturday Night Live and embarked on a stand-up tour.
Reflecting on his past stand-up experiences, Eddie acknowledged the profound evolution he had undergone since his last comedy special at the age of 28. He expressed curiosity about how his comedy had evolved over the years, recognizing that he had grown significantly since his early days in the spotlight.
