Eddie Murphy offers a rare glimpse into his relationship with his late brother, Charlie Murphy, who passed away from leukemia in 2017.
Charlie Murphy's greatest admirer will always be Eddie Murphy. In his new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, the comedian discussed his relationship with his late brother, who passed away from leukemia in 2017 at the age of 57. He clarified that there was never any doubt about include video from talks with the actor.
“There wasn't a decision that had to be made,” in an interview that was published on November 10, Eddie disclosed. “[It's] about my life and he's a huge part of it, huge impact.”
According to the 64-year-old, “You have your dad and your big brother; those are your protectors. So he's a part of it.”
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"I think about Charlie every day,” he went on. “He's a constant presence."
In the documentary, the Coming to America star addressed a scene in which he discusses his brother, saying, "That's the only time ever, ever, ever, ever, ever, ever in 50 years of this business, in 50 movies, where you really see me for a split second. You get a glimpse of me totally vulnerable, just me.”
"That is what I get when I watch," Eddie said, expressing amazement that they were able to capture the genuine him on camera, even if he mentioned that it lasted "maybe two seconds."
The Saturday Night Live alumnus lauded Charlie's comedic talent in the documentary, which was made available on Netflix on November 12. Charlie has starred in a number of movies, including The Hustle (2008), The Players Club (1998), and Harlem Nights (1989).
“There’s nobody like Charlie,” he stated. “Nobody was funnier there. And some of my biggest laughs in my life are Charlie.”
"I miss my brother," Eddie added, clearly sad.
Charlie, who previously showed off his sense of humor on Dave Chappelle's sketch comedy show Chappelle's Show, also praised Eddie's career in archival footage.
“I was real proud of what my brother had accomplished,” he recognized. “I remember the old days before any of this happened. To go from the apartment, to the house in Long Island, to having this brother that became a star.”
Eddie was “so good at it and I was so proud of him.” Charlie exclaimed.
“If you didn’t laugh, I was real emotional,” he admitted it. “I probably would f--k you up for not laughing. That’s how I felt.”