Comedian Charlie Murphy Dies at 57
Charlie Murphy, a performer on “The Chappelle Show” and Eddie Murphy’s older brother, has died. His rep Domenick Nati confirmed to Variety that the star lost his battle with leukemia. He was 57.
Murphy lent his comedic talents to the Comedy Central sketch show as both a writer and an actor.
His “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” sketch replayed encounters with various celebs such as Rick James and Prince when he was a member of his brother’s entourage.
The elder Murphy — sometimes credited as Charles Murphy — also served as a writer on his brother’s movies, including “Vampire in Brooklyn” and “Norbit.”
He was also an accomplished voiceover actor, working on “The Boondocks,” “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles,” and the video game Grand Theft Auto: San Andreas.
Murphy was slated to appear on the next season of “Power.”
“Starz sends our deepest condolences to Charlie’s family and friends. He joined ‘Power’ for our upcoming season, and his talent shines in every scene. We were fortunate to have worked with him,” the network said in a statement.
Celebrities paid tribute to the late actor on Twitter.
Chris Rock tweeted, “We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP.”
We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP. pic.twitter.com/AAwItp5AJC
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 12, 2017
Added Ice Cube, “he always made me laugh.”
Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy. He took a chance on a young director in The Player's Club. Always made me laugh. RIP pic.twitter.com/yChjFtSDH4
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 12, 2017
Tributes poured in from the comedy community.
DL Hughley talked about Murphy the family man, explaining “after every gig, he rushed home to be with his kids.” Sadly, Murphy’s wife also died of cancer in 2009.
After every gig, he rushed home to be with his kids. He died with gigs on the books. #RIP #mybrotha #charliemurphy #CGD pic.twitter.com/JIV1U2Y98W
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) April 12, 2017
Fellow comedian Dane Cook echoed their statements, calling him a “really nice really funny guy.”
Charlie Murphy was a really nice really funny guy. Our paths crossed many times over the years. Sad news. #rip
— Dane Cook (@DaneCook) April 12, 2017
Rest n Peace Charlie Murphy…Mannnnnnn
— David Alan Grier (@davidalangrier) April 12, 2017
It is with true sadness that I say bye to my friend Charlie Murphy… We used to have the… https://t.co/y80L5xzfzW
— Russell Peters (@therealrussellp) April 12, 2017
My Late Brother-The Very Funny Charlie Murphy. This Is Pic Is From JUNGLE FEVER, Charlie Was… https://t.co/0MT7mSrvVy
— Spike Lee (@SpikeLee) April 12, 2017
So sorry to hear about @charliemurphy passing. Funny, smart and fearless. #rip pic.twitter.com/cShhdsl3W2
— Al Roker (@alroker) April 12, 2017
With heavy ❤️& sadness sending love & prayers to #EddieMurphy & family. So sorry 4 the loss of @charliemurphy he gave us gr8 comedy gifts
— Kim Fields (@KimVFields) April 12, 2017
@charliemurphy died!! Everybody passing lately is getting really depressing. He was a genuine, sweet, funny dude.. Such a cool soul. #RIP
— Coco (@cocosworld) April 12, 2017
The Department of Defense even paid tribute to Murphy, who served in the Navy.
Fair winds & following seas to @USNavy veteran & comedian @CharlieMurphy who lost his battle with leukemia today at the age of 57. #RIP https://t.co/7EeGpJcpWZ
— U.S. Dept of Defense (@DeptofDefense) April 12, 2017
More to come …
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