Eddie Murphy’s Documentary ‘Being Eddie’ Reveals Shocking Truths

BREAKING: Netflix’s highly anticipated documentary, Being Eddie, featuring legendary comedian Eddie Murphy, is now streaming, revealing startling insights into his iconic career and personal life. This documentary offers a rare glimpse into Murphy’s world, showcasing his rise from a stand-up performer in New Jersey to Hollywood royalty.

Murphy, known for his roles in classics like Saturday Night Live, The Nutty Professor, and Dreamgirls, opens up about his creative process and personal experiences, making this a must-watch for fans. In Being Eddie, he reflects on pivotal moments, including his first encounter with celebrity at Studio 54 on his 21st birthday, where he humorously recalls declining an invitation from actor Yul Brynner that he now wishes he had accepted for the story it could have provided.

The documentary is directed by Angus Wall and features candid interviews with fellow comedians such as Jerry Seinfeld, Dave Chappelle, and Chris Rock, who discuss Murphy’s profound influence on the comedy landscape. Murphy shares his thoughts on his career trajectory, emphasizing the importance of his ten children and second wife, Paige Butcher, saying, “My legacy is my children, not what I did at work.”

Among the documentary’s highlights, Murphy addresses his infamous 1995 appearance on Saturday Night Live, where comedian David Spade mocked him for his film Vampire in Brooklyn. Murphy admits it hurt him deeply, stating, “It was like your alma mater taking a shot at you.” He discusses his decision to step back from Hollywood in 2011 after a series of what he calls “s— movies,” revealing his desire to reconnect with his roots by hosting Saturday Night Live again in 2019.

Murphy doesn’t shy away from discussing his personal struggles, including his experience with obsessive-compulsive behavior as a child. He recalls a nightly ritual of checking the stove for gas, only to later recognize these tendencies through a television expert talking about OCD.

In a significant emotional moment, Murphy reflects on his critically acclaimed role as James “Thunder” Early in Dreamgirls, a performance he considers his most accomplished, stating, “A lot of the pain was real.” He also touches on his controversial Oscar appearance in 1988, where he famously declared that Black people would not “ride in the caboose” of society, highlighting the lack of media coverage of his remarks.

Murphy’s thoughts on awards shows are candid. Despite being a front-runner for an Oscar in 2007 for Dreamgirls, he lost to Alan Arkin, which he reflects on with humor and frustration, saying, “What a waste of time.” He speculates that the negative perception of his role in Norbit may have hindered his chances.

As the documentary wraps up, Murphy expresses his love for the now-canceled show Ridiculousness and his nightly routine of watching Seinfeld with his wife. He also reveals the evolution of his laughter, saying, “The infectious laugh is gone,” as he embraces a deeper, more genuine sound.

Being Eddie is more than just a documentary; it’s a powerful exploration of a comedic legend’s life, one that resonates with anyone who has ever struggled with self-identity or sought to make their mark on the world.

For those eager to dive into the life of Eddie Murphy and witness the raw, unfiltered truth behind the laughter, this documentary is available now on Netflix. Don’t miss out on the compelling stories and reflections from one of America’s most beloved comedians.