Eddie Murphy’s latest conversation with USA TODAY drifts into a subject he rarely touches. The comedy icon speaks about death with blunt clarity, revealing a complicated relationship with grief and tradition.
“I’ve paid for many funerals, but I don’t attend them,” he says.
At 64, Murphy would clarify that the only funerals he’s ever attended were his fathers. He told the media outlet that he attended his father’s funeral, Charles Edward Murphy, at 8 years old.
As an adult, Murphy has only attended the funeral of his stepfather, Vernon Lynch. Lynch was the best man at Murphy’s 1993 wedding to then-wife, Nicole Mitchell Murphy.
Murphy doesn’t believe in funerals. “They shouldn’t even have funerals,” he says.
Eddie tells USA Today that he finds the ritual overwhelming and refuses to carry the emotional weight that comes with it. That honesty shapes Being Eddie, his upcoming Netflix documentary. The film chronicles his life and legacy, featuring Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, Jamie Foxx, Pete Davidson, Tracy Morgan, Tracee Ellis Ross, and Jerry Seinfeld.
Murphy reveals covering funeral costs for Redd Foxx and Rick James. He purchased tombstones for William Thomas Jr., known as Buckwheat, and Tim Moore, who played Kingfish on Amos and Andy. He says he has helped friends and relatives in similar moments.
Eddie Murphy Says He Doesn’t Go To Funerals In “Being Eddie” Documentary
Murphy reveals he doesn’t want a funeral when he passes away. “When I kick out, I’m not having a funeral,” he says. “I want to be cremated immediately. No service. No memorial. None of that trauma.”
He continued, “I don’t care what they do with them. Just don’t have people standing around with my ashes. I’m not trying to be in an urn while everybody cries.”
Being Eddie highlights his historic rise from SNL prodigy to Hollywood powerhouse. Murphy stays focused on the present.
“Memories pop up, but I don’t wallow,” he says. “I’m right here.”
The documentary stirred deeper emotion when he spoke about his brother, Charlie Murphy, who died from leukemia in 2017. Speaking about Charlie, Eddie says, “When I start talking about my brother, that was emotional. A little flicker.”
The documentary will see the award-winning actor define his legacy and what that means for his family. “I’m a unique human being,” said Murphy. “I’m creative. My children are my legacy,” he says. “My world revolves around them.”
Being Eddie premieres on Netflix on Wednesday, November 12.
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