American comedian and actor who rose with Saturday Night Live and became one of the most bankable comedy leads of the 1980s and 1990s.
Background
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Murphy began performing stand-up as a teenager and joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1980 at nineteen.
Career
His first lead, “48 Hrs.,” was followed by “Trading Places” and the long-running “Beverly Hills Cop” franchise. “Coming to America” and “The Nutty Professor” showcased his multi-character makeup work. He voiced Donkey in the “Shrek” series and returned to acclaim with “Dolemite Is My Name.”
Style
Murphy combined sharp impressions, broad physical comedy, and a willingness to play multiple characters under makeup, making him a defining comic actor of his generation.