Eddie Murphy opens up like never before about his 50-year career in a stunning new Netflix documentary. ‘Being Eddie’ premiered on November 12, 2025, with raw honesty and behind-the-scenes glimpses. The 104-minute film features candid interviews with Dave Chappelle, Jerry Seinfeld, Chris Rock, and Jamie Foxx. This is Murphy’s most personal project yet.
Kara Brown loses Jeopardy thriller, stumped by Harper Lee clue in dramatic final
Kara Brown loses Jeopardy thriller to Harrison Whitaker, all three contestants stumped by Final question
🔥 Quick Facts:
- Release Date: November 12, 2025 on Netflix
- Director: Angus Wall, who won 2 Oscars
- Guest Stars: Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Charlie Murphy, Arsenio Hall
- Runtime: 1 hour 44 minutes, rated R
- Upcoming: Murphy teases Shrek 5, Pink Panther, and a George Clinton biopic
From Teen Phenom to Hollywood Icon
Being Eddie chronicles how Murphy exploded onto Saturday Night Live at age 19 in 1980. The documentary showcases legendary early sketches like “Gumby” and “Buckwheat.” Murphy reflects on starting his career impossibly young. “I was really, really young,” he says in the film. The documentary shows how quickly he became famous and iconic.
Jasleen Singh fires back at podcast critics, calls out ‘cockroaches’ in viral controversy
Aakash Singh’s wife Jasleen fires back at online drama, defends podcast past
Murphy survived what many contemporaries didn’t. He lists peers who didn’t make it: Michael Jackson, Prince, Whitney Houston, and Luther Vandross. “I went through this minefield when I was just a baby, and I made it,” he explains. The film emphasizes how discipline and self-love kept him grounded. Prayer and spirituality became his anchors through chaos.
“I had all the temptations and all the madness and all the stuff that anybody has around me, but I always loved myself. That’s the most important thing, that’s one of the reasons why I didn’t destroy myself.”
Shocking Revelations About His Personal Life
The documentary reveals Murphy never used cocaine despite the party culture around him. He doesn’t drink or smoke. He didn’t try marijuana until age 30. His restraint stands out. Mental health struggles surfaced too, including childhood OCD symptoms. Murphy describes checking his stove’s gas knobs repeatedly for hours.
Murphy frames his comedy as an acute sense of proportion. Funny people notice details first. He connects his observational humor to compulsive behaviors. Now he catches himself mid-spiral and stops. “Nah, motherfucker, you ain’t starting that shit again. Take your ass to bed,” he tells himself. The film shares a surprising detail: Murphy owns ventriloquist puppets of Richard Pryor and Bill Cosby. He uses them for private performances with friends.
| Key Life Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Career Start | Age 19 on SNL in 1980 |
| Sobriety Status | Never used cocaine, doesn’t drink/smoke |
| Mental Health | Managed OCD since childhood with prayer |
| Contemporaries Lost | Prince, Michael Jackson, Whitney Houston, Luther Vandross |
| Hiatus Period | 5-7 years off before 2019 SNL return |
What’s Next for the Comedy Legend
Murphy teases massive projects ahead. He’s working on a George Clinton biopic and returning for Shrek 5. Pink Panther is also happening. His SNL hosting return in 2019 energized him completely. “I took off maybe five, six years and didn’t make movies. I was rested,” he says. Prayer and rest recharged his creative tank.
The most exciting tidbit: Murphy has owned a pet project for 10-15 years. He wants to remake ‘It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World’, the legendary 1963 slapstick comedy. “That’s what I really want to do, because I want to direct that one,” Murphy reveals. By the end credits, he performs a puppet bit with his Pryor and Cosby puppets. It hints at a potential stand-up comeback nobody expected.
- George Clinton Biopic: In active development
- Shrek 5: Returning as Donkey voice
- Pink Panther Reboot: Locked in
- Mad Mad Mad World Remake: Will direct this passion project
- Stand-Up Comedy: May return eventually with new material
Can Eddie Murphy Top 50 Years of Comedy Magic?
Being Eddie asks whether a legend can stay legendary forever. The documentary proves Murphy understands growth and rest. He didn’t burn out like his peers. His formula: self-love, prayer, and strategic breaks. Now rested and energized, his next act could eclipse previous achievements. The film premieres November 12, 2025 exclusively on Netflix.
Will you stream Being Eddie to discover what made this comedy icon unstoppable? The official trailer dropped October 22 and generated massive buzz. Critics called it honest, revealing, and surprisingly vulnerable. The Netflix documentary offers fans their deepest look yet at the real man behind the characters. This is must-watch material for comedy lovers everywhere.
Sources
- Netflix Tudum – Being Eddie documentary coverage, interviews, and behind-the-scenes details
- Deadline – Official release date announcements and production information
- Hollywood Reporter – Critical reviews and Murphy’s interview about upcoming projects
Daniel Harris is a specialist journalist focused on the crossroads of breaking news, extraordinary history, and enduring legends. With a background in historical research and storytelling, he blends timely reporting with timeless narratives, making complex events and ancient myths resonate with today’s readers. Daniel’s work often uncovers surprising links between present-day headlines and legendary tales, offering unique perspectives that captivate diverse audiences. Beyond reporting, he is passionate about preserving oral traditions and exploring how extraordinary stories continue to shape culture and identity.