4 Surprising Takeaways From Eddie Murphy’s Netflix Documentary “Being Eddie”
Eddie Murphy has been making people laugh for decades, but his new Netflix documentary “Being Eddie” takes fans to a place they have never been before: inside the mind of the man behind the comedy.
The film pulls back the curtain on Murphy’s incredible career, showing both his confidence and his humanity. With commentary from Hollywood favorites such as Dave Chappelle, Jamie Foxx, Chris Rock, and Tracy Morgan, “Being Eddie” explores how Murphy’s personal life, focus, and faith shaped his path to success.
Here are four of the most surprising takeaways from the documentary that reveal a deeper side of one of comedy’s greatest icons.
1. A Joke From “SNL” Still Stung Years Later
For years, people wondered why Eddie Murphy did not return to “Saturday Night Live.” In the film, Murphy explains that a 1995 “Hollywood Minute” skit by David Spade made him feel disrespected. Spade showed a photo of Murphy and called him a “falling star.”
“It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you,” Murphy said. “It wasn’t about how funny I was, it was about my career.”
He described the moment as hurtful and said it felt racially insensitive. Still, Murphy made peace with the past. “I’m cool with everybody,” he said. “It’s all love.”
2. He Noticed Signs of OCD as a Child
Murphy shared that as a kid he had habits that pointed to Obsessive Compulsive Disorder. He did not realize what it was until he saw a news story about the condition.
“I was like, ‘Oh, I be doing stuff like that,’” he said. “I thought I was weird. I didn’t know it was a mental illness.”
Once he learned about OCD, he made an effort to stop. Even now, he admits he still checks the stove sometimes, just to be sure.
3. He Never Used Hard Drugs
Murphy became famous during an era known for big parties and heavy drug use, but he says he never got involved.
“I was never curious about it,” he said. “I’ve never tried cocaine or touched it. I don’t drink. I don’t smoke cigarettes.”
Even when he spent time with other comedy legends like John Belushi and Robin Williams, Murphy stayed focused on his work and avoided temptation. “I was just not with it,” he said.
4. He Turned Down a Very Wild Party Invitation
Murphy shared one story from his 21st birthday at the famous Studio 54. He said actor Yul Brynner and his wife invited him to come “party” with them afterward.
“He was like, ‘How would you like to go back to my apartment with my wife and I and party?’” Murphy said. He politely declined, replying, “Nah, I’m cool.”
Later, Murphy laughed about the missed moment. “Now, I wish I would have went,” he joked. “The story would end better.”
Final Thoughts
“Being Eddie” is more than a celebrity documentary. It is a raw and honest look at one of the most influential entertainers in history. Murphy’s humor, self-awareness, and humility remind viewers why his impact reaches far beyond the stage or screen.
If you grew up quoting “Coming to America,” “Raw,” or “The Nutty Professor,” this documentary is a must-watch. It shows Eddie Murphy as not just a comedy legend, but a man who has always stayed true to himself.
