Washington [United States], actor and comedian Eddie Murphy shared deep reflections on his career and personal life, delving into topics ranging from the challenges of fame to racial dynamics in the entertainment industry.
The 60-year-old addressed the legacies of icons like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Prince, describing them as cautionary tales, in an interview obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
"All those guys are warnings to me," he said, emphasizing his awareness of the dangers that fame and substance abuse can bring.
Murphy, who has maintained a sober lifestyle with minimal drug use throughout his career, attributed this to a lack of curiosity rather than moral superiority.
Reflecting on his early fame, particularly as a black artist in an industry not designed for him, Murphy spoke candidly about facing challenges.
"This business is not designed for a black artist," he explained, adding, "You don't have people watching your back and you don't have support groups."
Despite these obstacles, he credited divine intervention for guiding him through the metaphorical minefield of fame for more than three decades.
The conversation also touched on a personal dispute with comedian David Spade, stemming from a joke made on Saturday Night Live about Murphy's career, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Murphy expressed his pain over the incident, highlighting the personal nature of the prank and questioning the show's producers for approving it.
However, he has since reconciled with Spade and others involved, including SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
Murphy also addressed his influence on comedy and black representation in Hollywood.
He noted that he paved the way for comedians such as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Chris Tucker to become prominent figures in entertainment.
"I changed it so that the comic can be the main attraction," Murphy said, reflecting on its impact on the perception of black comedians and actors in mainstream cinema.
The 60-year-old addressed the legacies of icons like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Prince, describing them as cautionary tales, in an interview obtained by The Hollywood Reporter.
"All those guys are warnings to me," he said, emphasizing his awareness of the dangers that fame and substance abuse can bring.
Murphy, who has maintained a sober lifestyle with minimal drug use throughout his career, attributed this to a lack of curiosity rather than moral superiority.
Reflecting on his early fame, particularly as a black artist in an industry not designed for him, Murphy spoke candidly about facing challenges.
"This business is not designed for a black artist," he explained, adding, "You don't have people watching your back and you don't have support groups."
Despite these obstacles, he credited divine intervention for guiding him through the metaphorical minefield of fame for more than three decades.
The conversation also touched on a personal dispute with comedian David Spade, stemming from a joke made on Saturday Night Live about Murphy's career, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Murphy expressed his pain over the incident, highlighting the personal nature of the prank and questioning the show's producers for approving it.
However, he has since reconciled with Spade and others involved, including SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
Murphy also addressed his influence on comedy and black representation in Hollywood.
He noted that he paved the way for comedians such as Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock and Chris Tucker to become prominent figures in entertainment.
"I changed it so that the comic can be the main attraction," Murphy said, reflecting on its impact on the perception of black comedians and actors in mainstream cinema.