Additional Coverage:
- Eddie Murphy Declined to Do Cocaine With Robin Williams and John Belushi: ‘God Was Looking Over Me’ (newsbreak.com)
Eddie Murphy recently revealed in an episode of the New York Times’ “The Interview” podcast with David Marchese that a pivotal moment in the 1980s involving Robin Williams and John Belushi greatly influenced his decision to stay away from drugs. At 19 years old, Murphy found himself at a Blues Bar with the two stars who began using cocaine, but he decided to abstain. Murphy, now 63, attributed his lack of interest in drugs to divine intervention, emphasizing the dangers of fame, especially for young Black artists.
The unfortunate demises of Belushi, who died from a heroin overdose at 33, and Williams, who took his own life in 2014 after battling depression, serve as somber reminders for Murphy. He also mentioned other stars like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Prince as cautionary tales that have shaped his perspective on fame and substance use.
Murphy, who stated he first tried marijuana at 30, has led a life relatively free from the grip of drugs. He credited his early years on “Saturday Night Live” (SNL), where his iconic characters and skits helped save the show from cancellation, as the launchpad to his successful career in movies such as “Beverly Hills Cop” and “48 Hrs.”
Reflecting on his rise to fame, Murphy shared anecdotes about his youthful confidence in becoming a star and how it led to surreal experiences, like being contacted by Marlon Brando for a dinner meeting. Despite his success, he admitted to taking some aspects of his fame for granted.
In a candid conversation about the pitfalls of fame, Murphy highlighted the tragic ends of Elvis, Jackson, Prince, and others as cautionary tales that have helped him navigate his own celebrity status. He also voiced his frustration over past misrepresentations and unfair criticisms from the media, mentioning a particularly hurtful jab from David Spade on SNL.
Furthermore, Murphy discussed his enduring relationship with comedy and audiences, underscoring his belief in creating humor that resonates personally with him as the key to universal appeal. He also touched upon the influence he’s had on a generation of comedians who looked up to him, recognizing that while he may have paved the way for comics to achieve major success, everyone ultimately carves their own path.
Throughout the interview, Murphy’s reflections offer an intimate glimpse into the experiences that have defined his career and personal life, emphasizing the gratitude and wisdom he’s gleaned along the way.