The Oscar-nominated star discusses his end-of-life wishes and why he’s paid for others’ funerals but won’t have his own
Eddie Murphy has given considerable thought to his own mortality and has made a firm decision about what happens when he dies. The 64-year-old comedy legend wants to spare his loved ones the emotional ordeal of a traditional funeral by being cremated immediately with no service or memorial.
The Oscar-nominated star shared his unconventional end-of-life wishes while discussing his new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, which chronicles his remarkable career and personal life. The revelation came during a conversation with USA TODAY that shifted from celebrating his accomplishments to contemplating his eventual death.
Strong aversion to funeral traditions
Murphy has paid for numerous funerals throughout his life but has attended only two in his 64 years. He went to services for his biological father, Charles Edward Murphy, who was fatally stabbed by a jealous woman when Murphy was 8 years old, and his stepdad Vernon Lynch, who served as best man when Murphy married ex-wife Nicole Mitchell Murphy in 1993.
The comedian finds the entire funeral ritual deeply troubling and emotionally overwhelming. He describes funerals as morbid events where people gather around loved ones and experience collective trauma. The whole ritual feels like too much for Murphy, who suspects he’s an empath affected by the energy of others in a room.
Generous support for others’ final arrangements
Despite his personal feelings about funerals, Murphy has quietly funded final arrangements for numerous people throughout his career. The Being Eddie documentary mentions that he paid for funerals for Redd Foxx, his Harlem Nights costar, and Rick James, Murphy’s collaborator on the 1985 hit “Party All the Time.”
Murphy also purchased tombstones for William Billie Thomas Jr., the actor who originated the role of Buckwheat, and Tim Moore, who played Kingfish on Amos ‘n Andy. Additionally, he has taken care of funeral expenses for friends and relatives whose names he hasn’t publicly disclosed.
His own final wishes are clear
Murphy is adamant about sparing people from standing around looking at him, being lowered into the ground or experiencing the emotional trauma of traditional funeral customs.
Murphy has no concern for what happens to his remains after cremation. He simply doesn’t want people standing around with his ashes while crying. The thought of being in an urn while everyone experiences that emotional moment is exactly what he’s trying to avoid for his family.
He clarified that crying is allowed and natural, but the entire ritual of a funeral is simply too much for him to impose on others. His instructions are straightforward: keep it rolling and move forward without the formal ceremony.
Living in the present moment
While Being Eddie commemorates Murphy‘s past, including how he joined “Saturday Night Live” at 19, celebrated his 21st birthday at Studio 54 and rode high on the success of films like Beverly Hills Cop and Shrek, the star prefers to live in the present moment.
Murphy doesn’t wallow in memories or pine for the good old days or old relationships. Every now and then memories pop up in his head, but he consciously tries to stay grounded in the here and now rather than dwelling on the past.
He compared watching the documentary to going through an old photo album. The experience brought up emotions, particularly when reminiscing about his older brother Charlie Murphy, who died from leukemia in 2017 at age 57.
Emotional connection to late brother
Charlie Murphy, a comedian and actor who appeared on episodes of “Chappelle’s Show” and co-wrote Norbit and Vampire in Brooklyn with his younger brother, remains a tender subject. When Murphy started talking about his brother during the documentary, the emotions surfaced.
He described it as a little flicker of feeling, just enough that you notice it. The loss of his brother clearly affected Murphy deeply, though he maintains his preference for living in the present rather than dwelling on painful memories.
Identity and creative expression
When asked who the real Eddie Murphy is, the comedy legend seemed slightly perplexed by the question. He described himself as a unique human being and a really creative person who can express creativity in different areas. That’s simply who he is.
The Being Eddie documentary features interviews with comedy legends including Dave Chappelle, Pete Davidson, Jamie Foxx, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock, Tracee Ellis Ross and Jerry Seinfeld. The 1 hour and 43-minute film explores Murphy’s life and career from multiple perspectives.
Family represents greatest legacy
Murphy is a proud father of 10 children ranging in age from 7 to 35. His children briefly appear in the documentary, though he clearly prefers to keep them out of the spotlight when possible.
He stated that at the center of everything is his relationship with his children. They represent his greatest accomplishment and his true legacy. Murphy’s world revolves around them, and everything else in his life comes after his kids.
Being Eddie streams on Netflix starting Nov. 12, offering fans an intimate look at the comedy icon’s remarkable journey while respecting his preference for living in the present moment.