In the new Apple TV+ documentary Number One on the Call Sheet, Eddie Murphy gives fans a rare peek behind the scenes of his journey to stardom. Murphy, known for his sharp wit and humor in hits like Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America, and Trading Places, once thought about stepping away from comedy to try something more serious.
While Murphy did earn an Oscar nomination for his dramatic role in Dreamgirls, comedy has always been his sweet spot. Now, years later, he shares the story of how a few key conversations, especially one with the legendary Sidney Poitier, helped shape his path.
Sidney Poitier advised Eddie Murphy to stick to comedy as he built his Hollywood career
Back in the day, Murphy was approached about playing Alex Haley, the author of Roots, in a film that would’ve explored Black history and storytelling. It sounded like a powerful role, one that could’ve shown a different side of him, but then he bumped into Sidney Poitier. Murphy shared news about his offer, and Poitier had some strong words that helped Murphy decide what to do.
Poitier, by that point an acting icon and trailblazer in serious films, had a very clear reaction. He told Murphy that dramatic roles like that were better left to actors like Denzel Washington or Morgan Freeman. “You are not Denzel, and you are not Morgan,” Poitier said to Murphy, “You are a breath of fresh air. And don’t f— with that.” Poitier believed Murphy had something different, and Murphy took that advice seriously, as he didn’t take the role.
His Hollywood career was shaped by the advice he received from other legends
Sidney Poitier wasn’t the only legend who shared their thoughts with Murphy. In the documentary, Murphy talks about other wild, funny, and sometimes strange pieces of advice he got. James Brown, for example, warned him to stop using foul language if he wanted to have a long career. Then he gave Murphy financial advice to bury his money in the woods so the government couldn’t find it.
Murphy mentioned these were the kinds of tips he got early in his career. He believed that the strange advice was because he was a young Black star rising fast, and while the older generation of entertainers admired him, they didn’t always know how to guide him. Still, their advice, no matter how unusual, helped him stay grounded while finding his path in Hollywood.