Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy | CNN

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Eddie Murphy attends the Critics' Choice Association's Celebration of Black Cinema and Television in 2019.
Eddie Murphy attends the Critics' Choice Association's Celebration of Black Cinema and Television in 2019.
Michael Kovac/Getty Images
Entertainment

In pictures: Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy

Updated 4:11 PM EST, Thu March 2, 2023
Link Copied!

By Brook Joyner, CNN

Eddie Murphy was honored with this year's Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 80th annual Golden Globes.

The actor, writer, director, singer and comedian started his career at "Saturday Night Live" in 1980 and was a regular cast member until 1984.

Murphy went on to star in films such as "48 Hrs.," "Trading Places," "Beverly Hills Cop," "Coming to America," "The Nutty Professor" and "Shrek." Murphy is a six-time Golden Globe nominee who won for his supporting role in 2006's "Dreamgirls."

Murphy poses for a photo with fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast members in 1981. From left are Murphy, Robin Duke, Joe Piscopo, Christine Ebersole, Mary Gross, Tim Kazurinsky and Tony Rosato.
Murphy poses for a photo with fellow "Saturday Night Live" cast members in 1981. From left are Murphy, Robin Duke, Joe Piscopo, Christine Ebersole, Mary Gross, Tim Kazurinsky and Tony Rosato.
Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images
Murphy and Chevy Chase appear in a "Weekend Update" segment of "SNL" in 1981.
Murphy and Chevy Chase appear in a "Weekend Update" segment of "SNL" in 1981.
Fred Hermansky/NBC/Getty Images
Murphy's first feature film was "48 Hrs." in 1982. Here, he appears in a scene with Nick Nolte and Annette O'Toole.
Murphy's first feature film was "48 Hrs." in 1982. Here, he appears in a scene with Nick Nolte and Annette O'Toole.
Archive Photos/Moviepix/Getty Images
Murphy plays guitar in one of his trademark leather jumpsuits in 1983. Murphy has had Billboard Hot 100 singles: "Party All the Time" in 1985 and "Put Your Mouth on Me" in 1989.
Murphy plays guitar in one of his trademark leather jumpsuits in 1983. Murphy has had Billboard Hot 100 singles: "Party All the Time" in 1985 and "Put Your Mouth on Me" in 1989.
Lynn Goldsmith/Corbis/VCG/Getty Images
Dan Aykroyd and Murphy star in the the 1983 film "Trading Places."
Dan Aykroyd and Murphy star in the the 1983 film "Trading Places."
Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
Lionel Richie reacts as Murphy, who earlier vowed "I ain't leavin' without a Grammy," runs away with Richie's top male vocalist Grammy during the 1983 ceremony.
Lionel Richie reacts as Murphy, who earlier vowed "I ain't leavin' without a Grammy," runs away with Richie's top male vocalist Grammy during the 1983 ceremony.
AP
Murphy appears as his recurring "SNL" character Gumby alongside Joe Piscopo, playing David Letterman, in 1983.
Murphy appears as his recurring "SNL" character Gumby alongside Joe Piscopo, playing David Letterman, in 1983.
Al Levine/NBC/Getty Images
John Ashton, Murphy and Judge Reinhold star in "Beverly Hills Cop" in 1984.
John Ashton, Murphy and Judge Reinhold star in "Beverly Hills Cop" in 1984.
CBS/Getty Images
Murphy started making a name for himself on the comedy circuit in the early 1980s with his Richard Pryor-inspired stand-up and often polarizing shows. His 1987 film "Eddie Murphy Raw" — recorded at New York's Madison Square Garden — received a wide release and remains the top-grossing stand-up comedy movie of all time, earning more than $50 million.
Murphy started making a name for himself on the comedy circuit in the early 1980s with his Richard Pryor-inspired stand-up and often polarizing shows. His 1987 film "Eddie Murphy Raw" — recorded at New York's Madison Square Garden — received a wide release and remains the top-grossing stand-up comedy movie of all time, earning more than $50 million.
Paramount/Everett Collection
Murphy signs his name in concrete outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in 1987.
Murphy signs his name in concrete outside Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood in 1987.
Ron Galella, Ltd./Getty Images
Murphy stars in the movie "Coming to America" in 1988.
Murphy stars in the movie "Coming to America" in 1988.
Moviestore/Shutterstock
Murphy presents Michael Jackson with a Special Achievement Award at the 1989 American Music Awards. The pair later recorded the duet "Whatzupwitu" in 1993.
Murphy presents Michael Jackson with a Special Achievement Award at the 1989 American Music Awards. The pair later recorded the duet "Whatzupwitu" in 1993.
ABC Photo Archives/Disney General Entertainment Content/Getty Images
Murphy and Nolte reunite for "Another 48 Hrs." in 1990.
Murphy and Nolte reunite for "Another 48 Hrs." in 1990.
Paramount/Kobal/Shutterstock
Murphy raises the hand of boxer Mike Tyson before a 1990 bout in Las Vegas.
Murphy raises the hand of boxer Mike Tyson before a 1990 bout in Las Vegas.
The Ring Magazine/Getty Images
Murphy married Nicole Mitchell in 1993. The couple had five children together and eventually separated in 2006.
Murphy married Nicole Mitchell in 1993. The couple had five children together and eventually separated in 2006.
John Barrett/Shutterstock
Murphy released his third musical album in 1993.
Murphy released his third musical album in 1993.
John Keating/Newsday RM/Getty Images
Murphy is joined by his mother, Lillian; his wife, Nicole; and his stepfather, Vernon, at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 1996.
Murphy is joined by his mother, Lillian; his wife, Nicole; and his stepfather, Vernon, at his Hollywood Walk of Fame ceremony in 1996.
Bei/Shutterstock
Murphy poses for a portrait in 1996.
Murphy poses for a portrait in 1996.
Steve Wood/Shutterstock
Murphy plays the titular role in 1998's "Dr. Dolittle."
Murphy plays the titular role in 1998's "Dr. Dolittle."
Moviestore/Shutterstock
Murphy appears in "The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" in 2000. He used prosthetics, wigs and costumes to play multiple characters in the series of films.
Murphy appears in "The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps" in 2000. He used prosthetics, wigs and costumes to play multiple characters in the series of films.
2000 Universal Studios/Getty Images
Murphy arrives at "The Nutty Professor II" premiere with his wife, Nicole, and children Miles, Shayne and Bria in 2000.
Murphy arrives at "The Nutty Professor II" premiere with his wife, Nicole, and children Miles, Shayne and Bria in 2000.
Lucy Nicholson/AFP/Getty Images
Murphy records lines for "Shrek 2" in 2004. He voiced Donkey in the popular animated films.
Murphy records lines for "Shrek 2" in 2004. He voiced Donkey in the popular animated films.
Moviestore/Shutterstock
Murphy earned an Oscar nomination for his dramatic turn as James "Thunder" Early in 2006's "Dreamgirls." 
Murphy earned an Oscar nomination for his dramatic turn as James "Thunder" Early in 2006's "Dreamgirls." 
David James/Dreamworks/Kobal/Shutterstock
Murphy won a Golden Globe for his performance in "Dreamgirls."
Murphy won a Golden Globe for his performance in "Dreamgirls."
Kevin Winter/Getty Images
Murphy and musician Stevie Wonder perform at the "Eddie Murphy: One Night Only" event in 2012. Murphy often did impressions of Wonder on "Saturday Night Live" and in his standup routines.
Murphy and musician Stevie Wonder perform at the "Eddie Murphy: One Night Only" event in 2012. Murphy often did impressions of Wonder on "Saturday Night Live" and in his standup routines.
Mark Davis/WireImage/Getty Images
Murphy accepts the <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2015%2F10%2F19%2Fentertainment%2Feddie-murphy-mark-twain-prize%2F" target="_blank">Mark Twain Prize for American Humor</a> at the Kennedy Center in 2015.
Murphy accepts the Mark Twain Prize for American Humor at the Kennedy Center in 2015.
Matt McClain/The Washington Post/Getty Images
Murphy portrays real-life comedian, singer and actor Rudy Ray Moore in "Dolemite Is My Name" in 2019.
Murphy portrays real-life comedian, singer and actor Rudy Ray Moore in "Dolemite Is My Name" in 2019.
Francois Duhamel/Netflix/Kobal/Shutterstock
In 2019, Murphy <a href="index.php?page=&url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.cnn.com%2F2019%2F12%2F22%2Fmedia%2Fsaturday-night-live-eddie-murphy%2Findex.html" target="_blank">returned to "Saturday Night Live"</a> after 35 years and brought back many of his most popular characters. The episode was the highest rated in more than two years, and his hosting appearance earned him an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series.
In 2019, Murphy returned to "Saturday Night Live" after 35 years and brought back many of his most popular characters. The episode was the highest rated in more than two years, and his hosting appearance earned him an Emmy for outstanding guest actor in a comedy series.
Will Heath/NBC/NBCU/Getty Images
Arsenio Hall and Murphy star in "Coming 2 America" in 2021, a sequel to their 1988 film.
Arsenio Hall and Murphy star in "Coming 2 America" in 2021, a sequel to their 1988 film.
Amazon Studios/Moviestore/Shutterstock
Murphy accepts the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.
Murphy accepts the Cecil B. DeMille Award at the 2023 Golden Globe Awards.
Rich Polk/NBC/AP

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