In 2026, Eddie Murphy will celebrate an incredible milestone: 50 years in show business. To commemorate this achievement, a new documentary is being released, perfectly timed to reflect on his groundbreaking career and cultural impact. Murphy, reflecting on his journey, said, “I want to show them that I’m not like anybody in this town,” highlighting his determination to stand out and leave an enduring legacy.

When asked about the moment he realized he had broken through as a superstar, Eddie points to the worldwide success of Beverly Hills Cop. “On paper, when Beverly Hills Cop came out, that was the first movie successful all around the world,” he said. He recalled a vivid memory: “This is the cleanest and nicest police car I’ve ever been in in my life. That’s when I thought, I guess I’m going to be making movies.” Initially, he had thought he would make a few films and then return to stand-up comedy, which had always been his first love. Even his time on Saturday Night Live was a strategic step to amplify his stand-up career.

Murphy successfully combined his passions for stand-up and film with his iconic specials, Delirious (1983) and Raw (1987). These performances, with their sharp humor and iconic leather suits, became pop culture phenomena. His red leather suit, in particular, has a legendary story behind it.

Eddie recounted, “I’ve taken so much that leather suit, that red leather suit.” But does he still have it? “No,” he admitted, laughing. “That suit… Keenan [Ivory Wayans] destroyed that suit.” The story dates back to a night when Wayans, preparing to go out, spotted the red leather suit in the closet. He put it on and stayed in character as Frenchie, a character he performed on In Living Color. Eddie recalled the night vividly:

“Keenan was busting out of it, doing a Frenchie character. He said, ‘I dare you to wear that.’ Rick James was with us, and when Keenan met Rick that night as Frenchie, I was like, ‘This is my boy Frenchie.’ We went out to Studio 54, hopping between clubs, and Keenan stayed in character all night. I remember him on the dance floor screaming, ‘The roof, the roof, the roof is on fire!’”

This red leather suit story illustrates not only Murphy’s iconic status but also his fun-loving, larger-than-life approach to both comedy and life. Over decades, he has shared his journey with honesty and humor. The documentary itself offers a candid look at Murphy’s life, career, and family, including emotional reflections on his late brother Charlie, who passed away in 2017 after battling leukemia.

Eddie described these personal moments as deeply moving: “That’s the only time ever I’ve been caught on film where I’m totally vulnerable.” His willingness to open up about both triumphs and hardships gives fans a rare glimpse into the human side of one of comedy’s most legendary figures.

As Murphy marks half a century in the entertainment industry, this documentary promises not only nostalgia but also an intimate exploration of a career that has influenced comedy, film, and pop culture worldwide.