Eddie Murphy: A Legend Across Generations

[Art Streiber for Variety] In a career spanning over four decades, Eddie Murphy has firmly established himself as a titan of the entertainment industry, leaving an indelible mark on stand-up comedy, film, and music. From his meteoric rise in the early 1980s to his status as a venerable icon in the 2020s, Murphy’s journey is a testament to his versatile talent, impeccable timing, and the profound impact he has had on audiences and fellow artists alike. & Rising Star on “Saturday Night Live” Murphy burst onto the national scene in 1980 as a cast member on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), where his charismatic presence and unique comedic voice quickly made him a standout. With iconic characters like Gumby, Mr. Robinson, and Buckwheat, Murphy’s performances were not just hilarious—they were groundbreaking, pushing boundaries and bringing a fresh, dynamic energy to the show that helped revitalize it during a critical period. & Box Office Gold Transitioning from television to film, Murphy became one of the most bankable stars of the 1980s and 1990s. His role in “48 Hrs.” (1982) set the template for the buddy cop genre, blending action and comedy in a way that had never been seen before. This success...