5 Candid Truths Eddie Murphy Revealed About His Brother Charlie Murphy In The New Netflix Documentary

The enduring, complex, and often hilarious relationship between comedy titans Eddie Murphy and his late brother, Charlie Murphy, has been brought back into the spotlight with the recent release of Eddie’s new Netflix documentary, *Being Eddie*. As of this current date, December 11, 2025, fans are finally getting an intimate look at the man behind the superstar, and his most candid reflections are reserved for his older brother, who passed away in 2017. This deep dive moves beyond the public persona, revealing the profound impact Charlie had on Eddie's life, career, and personal journey.

This article explores the most recent and heartfelt truths Eddie Murphy has shared about his sibling, Charles Quinton Murphy, detailing their early life, their professional collaborations on films like *Norbit* and *Vampire In Brooklyn*, and the devastating grief Eddie experienced. Charlie Murphy’s legacy, particularly his iconic sketches on *Chappelle's Show*, remains a cornerstone of modern comedy, a fact that Eddie acknowledges with immense pride and sorrow in his new special, cementing their status as one of comedy's most influential sibling duos.

The Complete Murphy Brothers: A Biographical Profile

The Murphy family is a foundational name in American comedy. While Eddie achieved global superstardom first, his older brother Charlie was a powerful force in his own right, working as a comedian, actor, and screenwriter. Their shared experiences growing up in Brooklyn, New York, created a bond that was both personal and professional.

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• Edward Regan "Eddie" Murphy:
  • Born: April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Parents: Charles Edward Murphy (transit police officer and amateur comedian) and Lillian Murphy (telephone operator).
  • Career Highlights: *Saturday Night Live* (1980–1984), *Delirious* (1983), *Beverly Hills Cop* (1984), *Raw* (1987), *Coming to America* (1988), *The Nutty Professor* (1996), *Dreamgirls* (2006), *Dolemite Is My Name* (2019).
  • Legacy: Considered one of the greatest stand-up comedians and highest-grossing actors in film history.
• Charles Quinton "Charlie" Murphy:
  • Born: July 12, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York.
  • Died: April 12, 2017, at age 57, in New York City.
  • Cause of Death: Leukemia.
  • Career Highlights: Screenwriter for *Vampire In Brooklyn* (1995), Actor in *The Boondocks* (voice) and *Are We There Yet?*, but most famously, a writer and cast member on *Chappelle's Show* (2003–2004).
  • Legacy: Immortalized by his "True Hollywood Stories" segments, particularly the encounters with Rick James and Prince, which are considered legendary in comedy history.

The Unbreakable Bond: Collaborations and Shared Comedy DNA

While Charlie Murphy often joked about living in his younger brother’s shadow, the truth is that their careers were deeply intertwined, and Charlie’s influence on Eddie’s early material is undeniable. The two shared a comedic sensibility that translated into several significant Hollywood projects.

One of the earliest professional links was Charlie’s work as a screenwriter on Eddie's 1995 horror-comedy *Vampire In Brooklyn*. The collaboration continued with the 2007 film *Norbit*, where Charlie received a writing credit. Their stepbrother, Vernon Lynch Jr., also worked alongside them, demonstrating the family's collective presence in the industry.

However, Charlie forged his own undeniable path to fame with *Chappelle's Show*. His "True Hollywood Stories" sketches, where he recounted hilarious, semi-fictionalized encounters with celebrities like Rick James and Prince, became cultural phenomena. This work established Charlie as a comedic powerhouse independent of his famous sibling, securing his own unique and lasting legacy.

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Eddie Murphy later paid a touching tribute to Charlie by dedicating his critically acclaimed 2019 film, *Dolemite Is My Name*, to his late brother, a gesture that underscored their lifelong connection.

The Candid Truths from 'Being Eddie': Grief and Legacy

In the new Netflix documentary *Being Eddie*, Eddie Murphy offers a rare, vulnerable glimpse into his personal life, focusing heavily on his relationship with Charlie and the aftermath of his death from leukemia in 2017. His recent comments are the most revealing he has ever made on the subject, providing fresh insight for fans.

1. Eddie's Regret Over the Funeral

One of the most surprising and raw revelations was Eddie's admission that he did not attend Charlie's funeral. While the absence was noted at the time, Eddie explained his reasoning, suggesting it was part of his way of processing the immense shock and grief. This candid detail, which was later discussed by other comedians like Cedric the Entertainer, highlights the deeply personal and often unconventional ways people cope with the loss of a close family member.

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2. The Unwavering Inclusion in the Documentary

Eddie stated that it was an "easy decision" and "obvious choice" to include his late brother prominently in *Being Eddie*. This decision was not just a tribute but an acknowledgment that Charlie’s presence and influence were woven into the very fabric of Eddie’s 50-year career. The documentary effectively uses Charlie's story to frame parts of Eddie's own journey, showing that his older brother was a constant, looming presence both in life and in memory.

3. Charlie as Eddie's Older Brother and Protector

Charlie, who was two years older than Eddie, often took on the role of protector, especially when Eddie’s fame exploded in the early 1980s. Charlie's presence was a grounding force during Eddie's rapid ascent to superstardom. This dynamic, where the older brother was fiercely protective of the younger, is a recurring theme in the documentary, emphasizing that their relationship transcended the professional—it was deeply fraternal.

4. Acknowledging Charlie’s Independent Success

While Eddie’s career trajectory was massive, he consistently champions Charlie's independent success. The documentary reportedly gives due credit to Charlie’s genius on *Chappelle's Show*, recognizing that he carved out a unique and unforgettable space in comedy. This is crucial for understanding the Murphy legacy—it is not a story of one star, but of two brothers who achieved greatness in different, yet equally impactful, ways.

5. The Profound Impact of Loss on His Work

Eddie's reflections suggest that Charlie’s passing changed his perspective on life and work. The dedication of *Dolemite Is My Name* to Charlie, and now the open discussion in *Being Eddie*, shows a star grappling with grief in the public eye. The documentary serves as a public eulogy, allowing Eddie to process and share the enduring love for his brother, ensuring that Charlie Murphy's infectious energy and comedic brilliance are not forgotten.

The Enduring Legacy of the Murphy Brothers

The story of Eddie and Charlie Murphy is a powerful narrative of sibling rivalry, deep love, and shared comedic genius. Charlie Murphy’s contributions to comedy—from his stand-up tours to his iconic *Chappelle's Show* sketches—continue to resonate with new generations of fans. Eddie Murphy’s recent willingness to discuss his brother so openly in *Being Eddie* ensures that Charlie’s legacy is not just a footnote in his own career, but a vital, unforgettable chapter in the history of American comedy. Their combined influence, from the groundbreaking specials like *Raw* and *Delirious* to the modern, viral sketches of *True Hollywood Stories*, cements the Murphy name as royalty in the world of entertainment.