Introduction
Eddie Murphy, a legendary comedian and actor, appeared on an interview to discuss his iconic career, memorable roles, and future projects. The conversation covered his early days on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), his transition into movies, and his thoughts on returning to standup.
Auditioning for SNL
Murphy shared his experience auditioning for SNL, where he was initially met with a lukewarm response. His first audition involved performing in front of a single person, and despite receiving little feedback, he eventually secured a spot on the show after several more auditions.
Thoughts on Returning to Standup
Murphy expressed hesitancy about returning to standup comedy, citing the large number of comedians currently in the field. He mentioned the possibility of doing a mixed show that includes standup, music, and storytelling, potentially on Broadway.
Early Days in Comedy
Starting standup at 15, Murphy recalled participating in talent shows at bars where he could win $25. He reminisced about his excitement and lack of concern for potential rejection at such a young age.
Iconic Film Roles
Murphy discussed some of his most memorable film roles. He mentioned that people often quote his standup routines when they see him in public. When asked about roles he’d like to pursue, Murphy indicated he has no specific goals and prefers to let opportunities develop naturally.
Beverly Hills Cop and Movie Development
Murphy talked about the lengthy process of developing the latest “Beverly Hills Cop” movie, which took 15 years to come together. He emphasized the importance of everything being right before committing to new projects, especially ones with a significant legacy like “Beverly Hills Cop.”
Musical Connections
Murphy revealed his deep connection with music, citing The Beatles as his favorite group. He mentioned that most of his friends are musicians rather than actors, highlighting his love for creating and recording diverse types of music.
Memorable Meetings and Moments
One of Murphy’s favorite moments was meeting Paul McCartney, who showed him old Beatles equipment and played the piano from “Strawberry Fields.” Murphy described McCartney as incredibly nice and generous.
Physical Challenges in Filmmaking
Reflecting on the physical demands of action scenes in the new “Beverly Hills Cop” movie, Murphy noted the difference between doing stunts in his 20s and now. He joked about directors expecting him to perform physically demanding tasks despite his age.
Returning Co-Stars and Chemistry
Murphy enjoyed reuniting with former co-stars for the new “Beverly Hills Cop” film, emphasizing the importance of having the original cast to recreate the chemistry that made the earlier movies successful.
Memorable Roles and Performances
Murphy discussed several of his iconic roles, including his favorite moments from “48 Hours,” “Trading Places,” “Coming to America,” “Shrek,” and “Dreamgirls.” He shared behind-the-scenes anecdotes and highlighted his love for playing multiple characters and doing voiceover work.
Conclusion
Eddie Murphy’s interview provided a deep dive into his career,
