Lilly Milman
16 hours ago, the actor and comedian Charlie Murphy posted what would become his final tweet:
One to Sleep On: Release the past to rest as deeply as possible.
— Charlie Murphy (@charliemurphy) April 12, 2017
TMZ broke the news that the older brother of Eddie Murphy passed away while undergoing chemotherapy treatment for leukemia at a New York City hospital. The report also stated that his death shocked family members, as they all believed his condition was improving.
The news of Murphy’s death comes as a blow to the comedy world, where Murphy held a legendary status. He was most known for his regular role on Chapelle’s Show, which is where he developed his iconic “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” segment. It was during this segment that Murphy told the story that would ultimately become one of his claims to fame. According to Murphy, he and a few friends once played a basketball game against Prince and his entourage in the 1980s. Besides mentioning how surprised he was at Prince’s basketball skills, he also claimed that the star made everyone pancakes afterwards. Prince later went on the record and said the entire story was true, even the breakfast.
Besides being a talented comedian, Murphy was also a devoted brother. Ryan Parker of The Hollywood Reporter wrote:
The actor and comedian was on record as saying he was a hothead when he worked as a bodyguard for his brother. He said he loved Eddie so much, and thought he was so funny, that he would pick fights with people who did not laugh at his brother’s jokes when he performed.
Murphy actually co-wrote some of the movies his brother starred in, like Vampire in Brooklyn (2002) and Norbit (2007). He also starred in a few iconic comedic flicks of his own – who could forget Are We There Yet? (2005)
One of his most recent career moves was a stand-up tour with Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, George Lopez, and D.L. Hughley called “The Comedy Get Down Tour.”
His death has been met with an outpouring of love from colleagues, friends, and fans alike:
We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP. pic.twitter.com/AAwItp5AJC
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 12, 2017
Rest in Paradise my brother @charliemurphy pic.twitter.com/pUfTXgqhao
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) April 12, 2017
Just came out of meditation and learned that one of my friends and my biggest comedy idol passed. Damn I loved Charlie Murphy ❤❤❤❤????????????????????????
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 12, 2017
Charlie Murphy was a great man. God bless, we already miss you.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) April 12, 2017
