Eddie Murphy Opens Up About His Family and Career in Netflix Documentary
Comedy legend Eddie Murphy offers a rare look into his personal life in the new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, where he discusses his children and his more than four-decade-long career.
Career Highlights and Public Persona
Eddie Murphy, now 64, has been a major Hollywood star for over 40 years, beloved for memorable roles such as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop, Sherman Klump in The Nutty Professor, and the voice of Donkey in Shrek. Despite his fame, he has seldom revealed his true self on camera, making this documentary especially compelling.
“There’s a great clip of Eddie on a talk show early on in his career, talking about how he’s always been able to do impersonations and different voices. He talks about how his mom used to ask him, ‘Who’s Eddie? What voice is Eddie’s voice?’ This movie answers that question,” says Being Eddie director Angus Wall.
Wall adds, “Eddie has played many characters over the last 40-plus years, but he has never really played himself onscreen before. He opens up his world and his heart, and I think people will really enjoy spending time with him.”
The Personal Journey
The documentary captures the notoriously private star reflecting on his life, starting with the moment he decided to become a stand-up comedian. Inspired by a Richard Pryor album at age 15, Eddie set a goal to make it as a comic by 18.
“I remember when I turned 18, comics saying, ‘Hey, man, I thought you were going to get famous when you’re 18,’” Murphy recalls.
Family and Children
While Eddie discusses his career in depth, he also shares insights into his family life, including his ten children, among them his child with Mel B.
Director’s Perspective on Eddie's Authenticity
Angus Wall emphasizes how the film reveals Murphy’s authentic self beyond his many fictional roles, giving fans a heartfelt and intimate portrait of the comedian.
Being Eddie offers a fresh and deep view of a comedy icon who has shaped Hollywood for decades, both on and off the screen.
“Eddie opens up his world and his heart, and I think people are going to really enjoy spending time with him.” — Angus Wall
Author’s summary: Eddie Murphy reveals rare personal and family insights in the Netflix documentary Being Eddie, offering an intimate look at his life beyond iconic roles.