Aimee Walker
Eddie Murphy says that race has ‘never been an issue’ in his career and that he and his work ‘transcended that stuff’.
The Hollywood actor has had an incredible career spanning over 40 years and has starred in hit films such as Coming to America, Beverly Hills Cop, and The Nutty Professor.
Opening up to Radio Times he said: “In terms of my work and my career, race has never been an issue.
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“I’ve been making movies for 40 years and never once could I could not get a movie made because I was Black. I transcended that stuff. But that’s not to say I walked out of heaven and into Hollywood.
“I’m a black man who was born in America; I’m African-American. Growing up in this country, there’s no way you’re not going to have to face some s***.
However, the 59-year-old did acknowledge that racism and xenophobia exist in Hollywood.
He explained: “It’s been this way for years and years, but it’s not just African Americans; it’s also about women and other minorities, too. White men run this business. It’s always been this way.”
When reflecting on his comedy work and the change in contemporary attitudes, the actor said ‘there’s no expiration date on funny’.
He added: “Times change and tastes change, but funny is still funny.”
Despite his incredible career, he said his biggest achievement and ‘legacy’ is his 10 children.
He told the publication how they’re all loving and smart individuals, who’ve made him an emotionally-rounded person.
Eddie shares five children with his ex-wife Nicole Mitchell Murphy, 53. He also shares daughter Angel, 13, with Melanie ‘Mel B’ Brown from Spice Girls.
Since 2012, the comedian has been engaged to Australian model Paige Butcher, 41. They share two children – daughter Izzy, four, and son Max, two.
The dad-of-10 says his 19-year-old daughter Bella will be making her acting debut in Coming 2 America, while he returns as Prince Akeem.
Featured Image Credit: Paramount Pictures & Amazon Studios
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