The Unbreakable Bond: 5 Things Eddie Murphy Has Revealed About His Brother Charlie Murphy Since His Death

The comedic world lost a true original when Charlie Murphy passed away in 2017, but his influence on his younger brother, the legendary Eddie Murphy, continues to be a central topic of discussion, especially in the wake of recent revelations. As of December 2025, a new spotlight has been cast on the Murphy brothers’ relationship, moving beyond the well-known *Chappelle’s Show* sketches to explore the profound personal and professional impact they had on each other.

The dynamic between the two brothers—one a global superstar and the other a late-blooming comedic force—was complex, supportive, and deeply rooted in their shared childhood in Brooklyn. The most up-to-date information comes from Eddie Murphy himself, who has recently opened up with rare vulnerability about his older brother’s death, the family dynamic, and the surprising reason he chose not to attend Charlie’s funeral, shedding new light on their unbreakable bond.

Biographical Profile: The Murphy Brothers

The Murphy family is a cornerstone of American comedy, with both Charlie and Eddie leaving indelible marks on the industry. Their relationship was foundational, with Charlie often serving as a protective older brother before becoming a collaborator and comedy star in his own right.

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Charlie Murphy (Charles Quinton Murphy)

• Born: July 12, 1959, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Died: April 12, 2017 (Age 57), in New York City, New York, U.S.
• Cause of Death: Leukemia.
• Occupation: Comedian, Actor, Writer.
• Key Works: *Chappelle's Show* (writer/cast member), *The Boondocks* (voice actor), *Jungle Fever*, *CB4* (co-writer).
• Early Career: Served in the U.S. Navy before formally entering show business, initially working as a bodyguard and assisting his younger brother.

Eddie Murphy (Edward Regan Murphy)

• Born: April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Writer, Singer, Producer.
• Key Breakthrough: Cast member on *Saturday Night Live* (1980–1984).
• Major Filmography: *48 Hrs.*, *Trading Places*, *Beverly Hills Cop* franchise, *Coming to America* (and sequel), *The Nutty Professor*, *Dreamgirls*.
• Accolades: Golden Globe Awards, Mark Twain Prize for American Humor, Academy Award nomination (*Dreamgirls*).

The brothers also share a half-brother, Vernon Lynch Jr., from their mother Lillian’s subsequent marriage. This family unit provided the foundation for much of their comedic material and life stories.

Charlie Murphy’s Unforgettable Legacy on *Chappelle’s Show*

While Charlie Murphy had a long career as a screenwriter and actor, his cultural explosion came in the early 2000s on Dave Chappelle’s sketch comedy series. His segments, titled “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories,” became instant classics and are still two of the most quoted and referenced pieces of comedy in modern history.

The Rick James Sketch: “I’m Rick James, B!”

The most iconic of Charlie's stories recounted his bizarre and volatile encounters with funk legend Rick James in the 1980s. Charlie’s masterful storytelling, combined with Dave Chappelle’s perfect portrayal of James, turned phrases like "Cocaine is a hell of a drug" and "I’m Rick James, b!" into enduring cultural memes.

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The Prince Sketch: The Basketball Game

Equally beloved is the story of Charlie and his friends playing a pick-up basketball game against Prince and his crew in the mid-1980s. The punchline—that Prince, dressed in a flamboyant outfit, dominated the game and then served them pancakes—is a surreal and hilarious piece of comedy folklore. These sketches cemented Charlie Murphy’s status not just as Eddie Murphy’s brother, but as a comedic genius in his own right, known for his incredible ability to tell a true, unbelievable story.

The Deep Impact of Charlie’s Death and Eddie’s Candid Reveals

Charlie Murphy’s passing from leukemia in 2017 deeply affected Eddie, who has historically been very private about his personal life. The recent documentary *Being Eddie* and subsequent interviews have provided a rare look into the comedian's private grief and unique coping mechanisms.

1. Charlie Was the Subject of Eddie’s First ‘Totally Vulnerable’ Moment on Camera

In the documentary *Being Eddie*, Eddie Murphy revealed that discussing his late brother was the first time he had ever been "totally vulnerable" on camera. He explained that Charlie’s death was a profound loss, comparing the experience to having a part of his life suddenly cut away. This raw emotional honesty from a usually reserved superstar highlights the depth of their fraternal bond and the pain of the loss.

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2. Eddie’s Surprising Stance on Funerals, Including Charlie’s

One of the most surprising revelations is Eddie Murphy’s long-standing policy regarding funerals: he pays for them but never attends. Eddie publicly confirmed that he did not attend Charlie's funeral, a decision that initially caused public speculation. He clarified that this is a personal choice rooted in his discomfort with the formality of grieving, stating he prefers to mourn privately and remember the person in life.

3. Eddie Has Paid for Countless Funerals, Including Comedy Legends

Expanding on his funeral policy, Eddie revealed that he has covered the costs for numerous family members, friends, and mentors over the years. This list includes his own brother, Charlie Murphy, as well as comedy and music legends like Redd Foxx and his brother's famous antagonist, Rick James. This act of quiet, consistent generosity underscores his deep respect for those in his life and the community.

4. Charlie Helped Shape Eddie’s Early Career and Guarded His Privacy

Charlie Murphy was more than just a brother; he was an early collaborator and a protective force. Charlie delved into comedic writing when he began working for Eddie, who was already a star. Charlie was instrumental in the creation of Eddie's first big movie in 1986. Furthermore, Charlie often served as a buffer, with stories circulating that he would receive "shit for doing drugs" from Eddie, who has maintained sobriety throughout his career. Charlie’s presence helped manage the chaos of Eddie's early superstardom.

5. Charlie’s Legacy is Dedicated in Eddie’s Work

The memory of Charlie Murphy is honored in Eddie’s professional life. For instance, Eddie Murphy's 2019 film *Dolemite Is My Name* was dedicated to his late brother. This dedication is a testament to the enduring influence Charlie had on Eddie’s choice of projects and the comedic spirit he brought to the forefront of his work. The dedication ensures that Charlie's legacy is woven into the fabric of Eddie's continued career success.

The Enduring Topical Authority of the Murphy Name

The careers of Charlie Murphy and Eddie Murphy are inextricably linked to the history of modern stand-up and sketch comedy. Their combined influence touches upon multiple entertainment entities, establishing a strong topical authority that continues to generate interest.

Entities and LSI keywords that define their shared universe include:

• Stand-up Specials: Eddie Murphy *Raw* and *Delirious*.
• Key Collaborators: Dave Chappelle, Rick James, Prince, Samuel L. Jackson (who appeared in a sketch in *Raw*).
• Shared Family: Lillian Murphy (mother), Vernon Lynch Jr. (half-brother).
• Comedy Themes: Hollywood stories, celebrity encounters, 1980s pop culture, and the transition of Black comedians from stand-up to film.

The story of Charlie and Eddie Murphy is a classic Hollywood narrative of two brothers who rose from the same foundation to achieve different, yet equally impactful, levels of stardom. Charlie’s later-career success on *Chappelle’s Show* proved his talent was independent of his brother’s fame, while Eddie’s recent openness ensures that Charlie’s legacy is remembered not just as a comedic force, but as a deeply loved brother.