Eddie Murphy (born April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn) is an American actor, comedian, producer and singer whose career spans more than four decades. He broke through on Saturday Night Live in the early 1980s and with stand-up specials Delirious and Raw, then became one of Hollywood's top box-office draws - his films have grossed over $7 billion worldwide. Global audiences know him best as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop and as the voice of Donkey in the Shrek franchise.
Eddie Murphy received the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award at a gala evening at the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles on April 18, 2026.
The documentary film Being Eddie premiered on Netflix on November 12, 2025, in which Murphy opened the doors of his home for the first time and reflected on his entire career.
The American Film Institute announced on November 21, 2025, that Murphy will be the fourth African American recipient of the AFI Life Achievement Award - after Sidney Poitier, Morgan Freeman, and Denzel Washington.
Murphy confirmed that a standalone animated film about the character Donkey from the Shrek franchise is in development with a planned release in 2028.
The fourth film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F was released on Netflix and became one of the most-watched films on the platform in 2024.
An animated adventure about a green ogre who must rescue a princess from a dragon to reclaim his peaceful life in the forest.
An animated fairy tale about Shrek and Fiona visiting her parents and facing their scheme to marry Fiona off to Prince Charming.