Whatever happened to Eddie Murphy?

Remember that hilarious young comedian of the 80s? The genius behind the comedy specials Delirious and Raw. Axel Foley (Beverly Hills Cop). Billy Ray Valentine (Trading Places). Heck, even Prince Akeem in Coming to America. Yep, Eddie Murphy.

He's known today -- not for the better -- as Pluto Nash and Dr. Doolittle. What a sad turn of events for the actor, who turns 45 years old today. Once poised to take over the head of the class as the next Richard Pryor, today he's more likely to be the next Andrew Dice Clay.

Eddie! The family friendly films aren't cutting it! Kiss and make up with your old Saturday Night Live pals and let's get back to business.

In the meantime, in memory of a career that once looked infallible...

Top 5 Eddie Murphy movies of the 80s:
5. Coming to America: "The Giants triumphed by kicking a pigskin ball through a big H. A most ripping victory."
4. Beverly Hills Cop: "This is the cleanest and nicest police car I've ever been in my life."
3. 48 Hours: "I want the rest of you cowboys to know something, there's a new sheriff in town."
2. Trading Places: "I'm a karate man, see! And a karate man bruises on the inside!"
1. Delirious: "Hey boy, hey boy! Ya look mighty cute in them jeans."

Comments

[Wendy O]

I have to say, it was Eddie Murphy's humor that kept my attention for Shrek 1 and 2...he was the slightly annoying, albeit funny donkey. Give the dude a break...he's a dad and he's probably toned his comedy down for his kids sake. At least he hasn't been found in a hotel room overdosed on crack, right? That's more than we can say for most SNL alumni anyway.

[Anonymous]

For that matter, Steve Martin is tanking it too.

[Anonymous]

No love for The Golden Child? I know it's not his best work, but it has some great lines in it.

[Mirrorball Man]

Alas, poor Eddie! I knew him: a fellow of infinite jest.Well he may not have been found in a hotel with crack but he did get busted picking up a tranvestite hooker...nice! LOL!Eddie has been playing it safe for too long just to stay in the game ,I think it's time now that he took some chances.His impression are incredible,that he can do so many roles.He needs to find the right script and just get out there.I second the Golden Child , not his funiiest but still it had its moments.It's painful to watch him do films like Dr. Dolittle and Daddy Daycare, it's just not the Eddie Murphy I know and like.As for Shrek, Eddie playing an animated ass is not a far stretch..But as it was said he could be doing far worse. What was Steve Martin thinking when he accpted the Inspector Clusoe role for the Pink Panther(another remake that should have never been made)beyond dollar signs, the movie just sucked!At the bottom of the barrel though has to be Chevy Chase.How many Vacation movies can you make? He hasnt done anything for years beyond that ocasional commercial,but I also hear hes an ass to work with, so that might explain why hes not working much over the years. Hopefully some of our classic 80s comedians will awake from their stupor take their head out of their ass and start doing movies worth watching.MM

[Chase Squires]

alas, Steve Martin ... That man was really starting to hit stride, making some wonderful movies, when it all came apart ... LA Story and Parenthood showcase his talent, Grand Canyon was spectacular ... and then?As for Eddie, everyone knows a karate man bruises on the inside, "What is ya? Ignerant?"

[Six]

Well, at least he didn't choke on his own vomit and die in a drug-induced stupor at the age of 27. And come on, the guy has kids. He can't do that stuff anymore. It's different when you have kids and have to explain what you meant by some of the things you said. Give the guy a break. Oops! Wendy O. said pretty much the same thing I'm saying.*in Emily Latella voice*"Nevermind..."

[Micheal L]

What about Stripes, The Jerk and Better Off Dead ('I want my by two dollars!')

[ABoyNamedJimmy]

What in the world do Stripes or Better Off Dead have to do with either Steve Martin or Eddie Murphy?!?