DeepSummary
In this episode of The Interview, host David Marchese talks to comedy legend Eddie Murphy about his unprecedented success, navigating the 'minefield' of fame, and his thoughts on making a potential return to stand-up comedy. Murphy reflects on his early meteoric rise to stardom with films like 48 Hours and Beverly Hills Cop, and how he took his success for granted at the time. He also shares stories of encounters with icons like Richard Pryor, Marlon Brando, and Bill Cosby.
Murphy opens up about the challenges he faced as a young, rich, and famous Black artist in the 1980s, dealing with racist undertones and cheap shots from the media and industry. He expresses his perspective on fame, revealing that he sees himself more as a 'sensitive artist' than just a comedian. Murphy also shares his disinterest in pursuing stand-up again, likening it to a general not wanting to return to the front lines.
The conversation explores Murphy's upcoming film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, his process for choosing projects, and his unrealized dream project 'Soul Soul Soul.' Murphy emphasizes his desire to make people laugh above all else and appreciates the blessing of his career, even if he took the pace of his success for granted early on.
Key Episodes Takeaways
- Eddie Murphy achieved unprecedented success as a Black actor and comedian, paving the way for others in Hollywood.
- Murphy faced racism and 'cheap shots' from the media early in his career due to his young age and status as a Black superstar.
- Murphy sees himself more as a multitalented 'sensitive artist' rather than just a comedian.
- He has no interest in returning to stand-up comedy again, likening it to a general not wanting to go back to the front lines.
- Murphy appreciates the blessing of making people laugh through his career, even if he took his early success for granted.
- He has a long-gestating dream project called 'Soul Soul Soul' that he still hopes to make one day despite the challenges.
- For the new Beverly Hills Cop film, Murphy wanted to recapture the 'emotional hook' of the previous movies.
- Murphy is introspective about fame, appreciating how someone must have been 'looking out' for him to navigate its pitfalls.
Top Episodes Quotes
- “Personally think, I think of myself as a comedian. I said that? Yeah. Cause I don't see my. Think of myself as a comedian at all. I think myself.“ by Eddie Murphy
- “If you look at the third Beverly Hills cop, it just didn't have the. Didn't have the emotional hook that the other ones have. Axl has to be fueled by one of his friends or somebody close to him is in danger or died or something.“ by Eddie Murphy
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Episode Information
The Interview
The New York Times
6/29/24