During my radio career I have come across many of entertainers.  Some were great experiences and some not so great.  However, one of the most memorable individuals I have ever met was Charlie Murphy.

Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images
Dimitrios Kambouris, Getty Images
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Many of you may remember Charlie as the older brother of Eddie Murphy and even though Eddie was a mega star with numerous stand-up specials, Blockbuster movies, and being on Saturday Night Live; Charlie was also a superstar in his own right.

I met Charlie back in Chicago in 2010 at the height of the Chappelle Show and he was one of the most down to earth people I have ever met.  During our conversation with other colleagues we talked about his tenure with the United States Navy and his love and admiration for his younger brother Eddie.

Outside of playing small movie roles in the 80’s and 90’s Murphy got his break in the motion picture CB4, where he played Gusto.  He also starred in the movie King’s Ransom, Harlem Nights, The Players Club, and Norbit just to name a few.

Dave Chappelle Prince
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However, Charlie was most popular for his recurring role in Dave Chappelle’s “Chappelle Show” where he is featured in the popular skit “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” where he talks about his encounters with Rick James and Prince.

(WARNING!!!!  **EXPLICIT CONTENT**)

Murphy also had a role on “The Boondocks” where he voiced the Iraq veteran/criminal Ed Wuncler III and “Black Jesus” he also appeared on the TBS sitcom “Are We There Yet?” and hosted his own stand up special “Charlie Murphy: I Will Not Apologize” which premiered on Comedy Central in February 2010.  Most recently Charlie was on tour with fellow comedians D.L. Hughley, Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, and George Lopez named “The Comedy Get Down”

Charlie Murphy passed away due to complications of Leukemia today at the age of 57, according to The Boom Box.  He was married to Tisha Taylor Murphy from 1997 until her death from cervical cancer in December of 2009.  They had 2 children and Charlie had another child from a previous relationship.

While I am mourning the loss of someone I admire, I can smile and remember the good times we had and know he is in a better place.  So to Charlie Murphy I salute you on a job well done and your legacy will live on throughout pop culture.

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Tell Rick James and Prince we miss them….

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