"Being Eddie" celebrates the life and legendary career of the iconic comedian

Reel Perspectives

November 13, 2025

Eddie Murphy is a global superstar, widely regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time. The multiple award-winning actor and comedian needs no introduction, and his new documentary, now streaming on Netflix, not only celebrates his remarkable career but also highlights the family man behind the public image.

From teenage comedian to Hollywood legend, the Brooklyn native rose to fame after his memorable stint on Saturday Night Live in the eighties, achieving success with a series of box office hits, including 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop. The star, who has ten children from various relationships, reflects on his remarkable journey in Hollywood, the challenges he has faced, and the joy he finds in being a father. With honesty and humor, this star-studded documentary features exclusive interviews with Murphy and his fellow comedians, offering an intimate portrait of the legendary icon.

It goes without saying that there is only one Eddie Murphy. No other teen comedian shared a stage with Jerry Seinfeld at 17, and joined the cast of Saturday Night Live right out of high school. No actor has ever played a cop, a doctor, and a donkey — and dominated every facet of Hollywood he's touched. Fewer still have been an A-list celebrity for over four decades, and never succumbed to its darker side. Murphy's unusual combination of explosive charisma, focused ambition, raw talent, and deep-set circumspection puts him in a league of his own, and is on full display in Being Eddie, directed by two-time Oscar® winner Angus Wall. The documentary gathers comedy and Hollywood legends like Dave Chappelle, Tracee Ellis Ross, Jamie Foxx, Jerry Seinfeld, Reginald Hudlin, and more to celebrate the Oscar®-nominated actor and his nearly 50-year career that's seen him break barriers, invent genres, and inspire generations of talent. For the first time ever, Murphy invites the public into his home to revisit his breathtaking body of work, all the while revealing the dazzling interior life that has long driven — and grounded — this once-in-a-century star.

Directed by Angus Wall, Being Eddie gives insight into Murphy's career, where he reveals quite a few bombshells and expands on some we already knew. Speaking very candidly, the documentary offers personal reflection, with humor and heart, reminding us why we fell in love with Murphy and emphasizing that his greatest legacy is his children. Showcasing his natural talent and trademark humor, it's easy to see why the legendary icon has remained at the top of his game after a decades-long career.

"Being Eddie" is streaming now on Netflix.

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