Eddie Murphy Reveals the Role That Defines His Hollywood Career

Funny Man has been showcasing his talent in motion pictures from the ’80s, and it’s up to fans to pick their favorite moments that leave a lasting impression. Interestingly enough, the actor-comedian himself often points out one film that might symbolize his career more significantly than any other.

Recently, Murphy graced as a guest and was accompanied by Keke Palmer. During their chat on the program, Hudson brought up the topic of Eddie Murphy being overlooked for an Oscar win for his performance in The Nutty Professor, considering he portrayed multiple characters within the comedy. Murphy expressed his delight that some viewers don’t even recognize the numerous roles he played in the film, referring to it as his “most cherished aspect.” He further shared that The Nutty Professor holds a special place as his breakout role in his career.

He mentioned that if he had to choose a single film that resonated with him, it would be The Nutty Professor. He explained this choice by saying, “There’s just so much happening in that movie.

Palmer remarked, “To be frank, he was aiming at everything: dramas, comedies, family stories, and even personal struggles. In other words, The Nutty Professor was dealing with certain issues and attempting to reclaim his life.

1996 saw the release of “The Nutty Professor,” directed by Tom Shadyac. This film is a remake of the 1963 original, where Jerry Lewis played the lead. In this version, Eddie Murphy took on the role of Sherman Klump, a brilliant yet overweight professor who invents a weight-loss potion that splits him into two personas: the slimmer, mischievous Buddy Love, and various other family members including his father, mother, brother, and grandmother. Murphy also played the character Lance Perkins, a parody of Richard Simmons.

Additionally, the movie featured actors such as Jada Pinkett Smith, James Coburn, Dave Chappelle, Larry Miller, John Ales, and Jamal Mixon.

The Nutty Professor Was a Major Hit

“The Nutty Professor” turned out to be a massive success, pulling in approximately $552 million globally today from an initial investment of $54 million. Notably, it was honored with an Oscar for Best Makeup due to Murphy’s multiple roles. Moreover, the film is still considered one of Murphy’s most beloved works and ranks among the most iconic and successful comedies of its time.

Later on, Murphy resurfaced in “The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps“, directed by Peter Segal. In this movie, he once again assumed the character of Sherman, alongside his diverse family members (including Lance Perkins). However, it didn’t garner quite the same acclaim as its predecessor and managed to gross $166 million at the box office. Murphy also shared an intriguing behind-the-scenes detail about the sequel where he portrayed both of Sherman’s parents in a bedroom scene.

The Nutty Professor is streaming on Netflix.

Read More

2025-06-02 03:12