Edward Regan Murphy was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, to Lillian Lynch, a telephone operator, and Charles Edward Murphy, a transit police officer and amateur comedian and actor. His father's passing led to his mother's remarriage to Vernon Lynch, a foreman at a Breyer's Ice Cream plant. Murphy had two brothers, Charlie Murphy and Vernon Lynch Jr.
Growing up in the streets of New York, Murphy had aspirations in show business from a young age. He spent more time on impressions and comedy stand-up routines than academics, showcasing his sense of humor and wit at Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School. By the age of 15, Murphy was working as a stand-up comic on the lower part of New York, impressing audiences with his celebrity impressions and outlooks on life.
In the early 1980s, Murphy was offered a contract with the Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time Players of Saturday Night Live, where he showcased his comedic abilities, impersonating African American figures and originating memorable characters. Murphy made his feature film debut in 48 Hrs. (1982),alongside Nick Nolte, and went on to star in Beverly Hills Cop (1984),which made him a box-office superstar.
Murphy's subsequent films, such as The Golden Child (1986) and Beverly Hills Cop II (1987),received mixed reviews, but were still commercially successful. He directed Harlem Nights (1989),but the film received negative reviews. Murphy's career experienced a slump, with films like Another 48 Hrs. (1990),Boomerang (1992),and Vampire In Brooklyn (1995) receiving mixed reviews.
However, Murphy's remake of The Nutty Professor (1996) brought him back into the spotlight. He continued to appear in films, including Doctor Dolittle (1998),Mulan (1998),Bowfinger (1999),Shrek (2001),and The Haunted Mansion (2003). Murphy received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role in Dreamgirls (2006).
Murphy was married to Nicole Mitchell Murphy from 1993 to 2006 and has ten children. Throughout his career, Murphy has experienced both success and controversy, but has consistently showcased his comedic talent and range as an actor.
