April 3, 2025, marks another trip around the sun for Eddie Murphy, who turns 64 with the same effortless charm that made him a legend. Born in Brooklyn in 1961, Murphy skyrocketed from cracking jokes as a teenager to becoming a Saturday Night Live standout by 19. But he’s more than just the face behind Beverly Hills Cop or the voice of Donkey in Shrek—his legacy runs deep. Beyond the blockbuster hits, Murphy embodies generosity, authenticity, and an undeniable cool factor. Let’s celebrate his birthday by diving into some lesser-known gems about the comedy king who has stayed true to himself through it all.
A legend with a quiet heart
Murphy doesn’t chase social media clout—he doesn’t even have social accounts—but his kindness speaks volumes. Over the years, he’s quietly donated to causes like the AIDS Healthcare Foundation and the Martin Luther King, Jr. Center. During the 2023 Screen Actors Guild strike, he stepped up with financial support for struggling industry professionals, proving his loyalty to the craft and the people behind it. One standout story? He once mentored an up-and-coming comedian without cameras or fanfare—just pure generosity. That’s Murphy: a legend who gives back without making it a spectacle.
A life full of surprises
Eddie Murphy’s journey is packed with fascinating, under-the-radar moments. At just eight years old, he and his brother, Charlie, spent a year in foster care after their mother fell ill—a tough chapter that fueled his humor and resilience. Despite never undergoing formal acting training, he once told AP News he’s a “natural actor,” a claim his decades of success back up. And while he’s built an empire in Hollywood, he’s never been afraid to poke fun at himself—he famously roasted his own 1984 flop, Best Defense, on SNL, calling it “the worst movie ever.” Oh, and in an era of digital everything, Murphy doesn’t own a computer. That’s right—the comedy icon is living that analog life.
Health, hustle, and a dash of mystery
Murphy isn’t out here pushing viral TikTok health trends, but his lifestyle keeps him in top form. In interviews, he’s mentioned how stepping back from the Hollywood grind has helped him stay grounded and stress-free. And at 64, he’s still bringing the heat—his latest project, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F (2024), proves his stamina is as strong as ever.
As for superstitions? He’s hinted that intuition plays a big role in his creative process. Maybe he’s got a lucky charm—or maybe it’s just pure talent.
The legacy of a true icon
Eddie Murphy’s impact extends beyond box office hits; it’s in the way he’s navigated fame while keeping his values intact. A devoted father of 10, he prioritizes family over Hollywood chaos—a true flex in an industry obsessed with the spotlight.
From playing multiple characters in Coming to America (inspired by his idol Peter Sellers) to winning an Emmy in 2020 for hosting SNL, Murphy has continually proved that talent, heart, and authenticity never go out of style.
So here’s to Eddie Murphy—an icon who keeps it real, gives back, and stays effortlessly cool. Happy birthday to a living legend!