Charlie Murphy was in the US Navy when his younger brother Eddie began his road to International superstardom first as a key player on Saturday Night Live and then from the success of his first film, the box office smash 48 Hrs. Charlie’s Murphy nearly six year stint in the Navy, where he served as a boiler technician, came off the heels of his enrollment the day after he was released from a 10 month jail incarceration for a crime he was convicted of as a adolescent.
Charlie Murphy has passed, dying from leukemia that most were unaware he had. Over the years recent and dramatic wight loss went largely unexplained, so for most his passing came as unexpected and sudden. He left behind three children. His wife of 12 years had died in 2009 after losing a bout with cancer.
Charlie Murphy started out in the entertainment industry within the monstrous shadow of his younger brother. Eddie would go on to to have one of the most successful Hollywood careers and is also considered one of the greatest standup comedians ever. Charlie started with a small part in Eddie’s “Harlem Nights” (1989) followed by two Spike Lee movies, “Mo Better Blues” (1990) and “Jungle Fever” (1991) which then lead to a more memorable role in Chris Rock’s urban cult classic as Gusto in the NWA inspired parody, “CB4” (1993).
For most, Charlie remained Eddie’s brother until the success of his roles and storytelling on the “Chapelle Show” (2003-2006) made Charlie Murphy a household name on his own. His true life stories about his earlier involvement with Rick James and Prince, parodied with Dave Chapelle, became classic comic legend. They were a testament to his storytelling abilities and perseverance.
Charlie, even after the death of his wife in 2009, continuing stealing scenes and constantly worked to sharpen and hone his standup abilities, most recently touring with heavyweights, DL Hughley, George Lopez and Cedric The Entertainer. No longer just Eddie’s brother, Charlie leaves us with lasting comedic moments and a reminder that hard work and perseverance are still gateways to any of us ultimately achieving our goals and dreams.
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