Murphy, Eddie (1961– )

US film actor and comedian. His first film, 48 Hours (1982), introduced the streetwise, cocksure character that has become his speciality. With his next two films, Trading Places (1983) and Beverly Hills Cop (1984), he became one of the biggest box-office draws of the 1980s. Despite a string of poorly-received films in the early 1990s, by the end of the decade he had re-established his star status with successful films such as The Nutty Professor (1996), Dr Dolittle (1998), and Bowfinger (1999). He received critical acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for his performance in the musical drama Dreamgirls (2006).

Murphy began his career at 15 as a stand-up comedian before appearing regularly on the US television show Saturday Night Live. Other films include Beverly Hills Cop II (1987), his filmed live show Eddie Murphy Raw (1987), Coming to America (1988), which he co-wrote, Harlem Nights (1989), which he produced and directed, The Distinguished Gentleman (1992), Shrek (2001), and The Adventures of Pluto Nash (2002).