The 10 greatest characters in the film Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy is one of the most iconic comedians in the world and has portrayed countless incredible characters over the years. Although Murphy started out as a stand-up comedian and found early success in Saturday night liveDuring the 1980s, he switched to film and starred in some of the greatest action comedies ever made. This success led Murphy to branch out into family entertainment during the 1990s, where he played characters beloved by viewers of all ages.

All of Eddie Murphy’s best films featured incredible, unique characters that embodied the actor’s impeccable comedic timing and passionate use of slapstick humor, making him stand out as one of the best comedians of all time. Murphy also showed his more dramatic side and was even nominated for an Oscar. From the styles of action stars Beverly Hills Police Officer Axel Foley with the family hilarity of Donkey Shrek, Murphy’s career was filled with some of the greatest movie characters of all time.

10

Norbit Albert Rice

Norbit (2007)

While Norbit The cheeky humor may not be to everyone’s taste, Eddie Murphy’s multiple roles showed his comedic commitment to the play. While Murphy’s portrayal of the morbidly obese, tyrannical wife, Rasputia Latimore, or the Chinese orphanage owner, Mr. Wong, may seem a little problematic looking back, Norbit Albert Rice was one of Murphy’s signature creations as audiences watched his difficult childhood and eventual marriage to an abusive and sadistic man. woman.

The power of Murphy’s performance as Norbit had as much to do with his reaction to the chaotic world around him as it did with the character himself. Norbit’s experience underpinned Murphy’s most outrageous portrayal of Rasputiaand together, Murphy’s dynamic opposite Murphy helped transform Norbit into a box office success, grossing over $159 million (via Mojo Box Office.) Although critics have questioned Murphy’s adoption of stereotypes in Norbitaudiences attended the film, featuring music legend Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys (via Rotate) even calling it his favorite movie of all time.

9

Dr John Dolittle

Doctor Dolittle (1998)

Although Eddie Murphy first came to prominence as an adults-only stand-up comedian, in the late 1990s he moved into more family-oriented films. The best example of this new aspect of Murphy’s personality was Dr.which took Murphy’s talent for energetic humor and fast-paced physical comedy and combined it with a litany of eccentric animals. Based on the beloved children’s series by Hugh LoftingMurphy was a worthy successor to Rex Harrison’s earlier 1960s version of the character who can talk to animals.

Dr. was a fantastic vehicle for Murphy, who softened his humor for the kids and added some impressive special effects. Murphy’s characterization of the over-the-top doctor worked well with the talented cast of comedy legends like Norm McDonald as a talking dog, Albert Brooks as a tiger and Chris Rock as a guinea pig. Dr. It was so successful that Murphy even returned for a sequel, while families watched more of the doctor’s light-hearted adventures.

8

Professor Sherman Klump

The Mad Professor (1996)

Eddie Murphy brought new energy to this remake of a classic 1960s comedy starring Jerry Lewis as The crazy teacher Murphy embraced the broad comedy style of the 1990s. Murphy’s characterization of Professor Sherman Klump showcased the comedian’s talent for transformation by portraying his obese character in a fat suit. Murphy even stepped forward and played a number of roles in The crazy teacherincluding Professor Klump’s father, brother, mother and grandmother.

Murphy’s characterization of Professor Klump signaled the beginning of a new era in his careeras the family nature of The crazy teacher was a sharp contrast to his adult-oriented characters in Trading locations, 48 hours., and Beverly Hills Police Officer. Murphy’s broad appeal and impeccable comedic timing were on full display when the professor’s normal weight was reduced due to a scientific experiment that could reconstruct DNA. While the original crazy teacher Jerry Lewis later said (via electronic warfare) he regretted letting the film and its sequel get made, there’s no denying that Professor Klump was a defining character for Murphy.

7

Jimmy “Thunder” early

Dream Girls (2006)

Eddie Murphy showed his more dramatic side through his performance as Jimmy “Thunder” early on dream girlsa role that earned him an Oscar nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Murphy played a James Brown-style superstar soul singerJackie Wilson and Marvin Gaye in this extraordinary love letter to Motown and American R&B music of the 1960s and 1970s. While Jimmy started out as the star of the show dream girls showed how his all-girl support group soon began to surpass him in popularity.

Jimmy’s characterization in dream girls was an excellent representation of the fickle nature of celebrity, as his dwindling popularity led to drug addiction and an eventual overdose. The whole case of dream girlsIncluding Beyoncé Knowles as the Diana Ross-influenced character Deena Jones made this compelling story and one of the best music-based films of the 2000s. Through Murphy’s Oscar-nominated performance, he showcased yet another side of his impressive resume of talent. .

6

Charlie Hinton

Daddy’s Daycare (2003)

The familiar iteration of Eddie Murphy reached its absolute peak with Daddy’s daycarefilm about a recently unemployed father who decides he has what it takes to open a daycare center in his home. Murphy’s characterization of former marketing executive Charlie Hinton drew on his talent for playing an everyman who was losing his mind. While it was the outrageous antics of kids running wild that told Daddy’s Daycare many of their best jokes, Murphy playing the straight man reacting to them was the glue that held this film together.

While Daddy’s daycare received negative reviews from critics, Murphy gave the kids exactly what they wanted with this performance. Murphy’s characterization of an adult out of his league made this a fun affair for preschoolers and younger viewers alike. Although it may be true that Father’s Day Car was too childish to appeal to older viewersits box office gross of $160 million against a budget of $60 million showed its appeal (via Box Mojo Office.)

5

Rudy Ray Moore/Dolemite

Dolemite Is My Name (2019)

Real American comedian Rudy Ray Moore was known for playing the Blaxploitation character Dolemite in the film, and both were ably played by Eddie Murphy in Dolemite is my name. This unique biopic signaled Murphy’s return to critical acclaim after a period of hiatus and demonstrated that he still had the talent to take on complex, adult-oriented roles. With a true story stranger than fiction, Murphy’s portrayal of Rudy Ray Moore was his best film in years.

Moore’s legacy as a stand-up and his iconic character, Dolemite, allowed Murphy to draw on his unique talents in a story that blended Kung Fu, Blaxploitation and a genuinely compelling biographical narrative. Murphy was funny and attractive in Dolemite is my name, as this courageous story of perseverance and creating one’s own opportunities showed the flawed heroism of its main character. Backed by an incredible soundtrack and a stylish 1970s aesthetic, Murphy as Rudy Ray Moore was a late-career triumph.

4

Prince Akeem Joffer

Coming to America (1988)

The crown prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda Akeen Joffer in Coming to America was one of Eddie Murphy’s most beloved characters. This story of an outrageously spoiled aristocrat who grew tired of his pampered lifestyle and went to New York City in search of adventure was a showcase for Murphy’s incredible appeal during the 1980s. It was truly hilarious to watch Akeem learn the values of hard work and the realities of everyday life for those who weren’t born with a silver spoon in their mouth.

While Murphy was fantastic as Akeem, he also played soul singer Randy Watson and barber shop customers Clarence and Saul in Coming to America. The character of Akeem went on a fairytale-like urban adventureand her compelling love story with an ordinary New York woman helped add depth and purpose to her journey. Though some of the magic of Akeem’s character was lost in the underwhelming 2021 legacy sequel Coming 2 AmericaAkeem still played a prominent role in Murphy’s career.

3

Billy Ray Valentine

Places of Commerce (1983)

The rags-to-riches story Trading locations was an excellent comedy of mismatched leads, as Eddie Murphy’s depressed Billy Ray Valentine swapped places with Dan Aykroyd as the wealthy Louis Winthorpe III. Coming from a broken home and struggling with drug addiction and homelessness, Billy Ray was a con man and drug dealer who knew how to make the best of his fortunate new situation, as an elaborate bet sees him working at the brokerage firm Duke & Duke. With elements of screwball comedy and a deep sense of humanity, Billy Ray was one of Murphy’s greatest characters.

All over Trading locationsBilly Ray’s charming personality shined through as he showed that he wasn’t as tough as his bravado suggested. While Trading locations remains one of the funniest comedies of the 1980s, it often doesn’t get enough credit for the depth of its characterization. Although Billy Ray featured much of Murphy’s signature humorit also hinted at his talent as a dramatic actor which he would embrace more fully later in his career.

2

Donkey

Shrek (2001)

It’s not just in live-action releases that Murphy has embodied iconic characters, as he lent his recognizable voice to Donkey in Shrek. As Shrek’s sidekick and best friend, Donkey’s unwavering optimism and loyalty to Shrek ensured that the audience always rooted for him, even if he irritated his fellow ogre to no end. Murphy was perfectly cast as the voice of Donkey, as his comedic humor, witty one-liners, bursts of music, and pop culture references made him essential to the film’s success. Shrek franchise.

Murphy perfectly captured Donkey’s larger-than-life personality, and despite being part of a fantasy world, he always felt like one of the most relatable characters in the world. Shrek films. Although Donkey always tried to smile and bring joy to every quote, viewers also witnessed his insecurities as he used humor to try to be liked by the people around him, especially Shrek. Even though Donkey may seem like one of Murphy’s most outrageous characters, he was also a vulnerable, moving, and optimistic antidote to Shrek’s cynicism.

1

Detective Axel Foley

Beverly Hills Cop (1984)

Beverly Hills Police Officer it was the film that propelled Eddie Murphy to international stardom, as the character of detective Axel Foley best summed up his comedic sensibility. As one of the best movie characters of all time, Murphy brought his unmistakable charisma to this role, as his sharp yet rebellious streak had an undeniable effect on the action comedy genre. Like a no-nonsense police officer who wasn’t afraid to break the rules in pursuit of justice, Murphy’s quick one-liners and witty banter it meant the audience was always rooting for Axel.

Although the amazing 1980s synth score by Beverly Hills Police Officer helped give it a unique identity, Murphy’s hilarious performance has seen this 1980s classic turn into an ongoing franchise. The character remained so popular that Murphy even returned to the role in Netflix’s legacy sequel Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F in 2024. With a career full of incredible characters, Eddie Murphy The role of one of the most iconic and acclaimed comedians of all time wouldn’t have been the same without Detective Axel Foley.

Source: Mojo Box Office, Rotate, electronic warfare