What mental health condition did Eddie Murphy struggle with as a child?

Eddie Murphy revealed that he dealt with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as a child, where he would compulsively check the stove in the kitchen for hours.

How did Eddie Murphy's OCD manifest when he was young?

As a child, Murphy would repeatedly get up from bed to check the stove in the kitchen, making sure the gas was turned off. He would do this ritual for up to an hour before being able to fall asleep.

How did Eddie Murphy eventually address his OCD symptoms?

After seeing a news segment that explained OCD, Murphy realized his compulsive behavior was a mental health condition, not just "some weird shit." He then forced himself to stop the repetitive stove-checking, though he still occasionally checks it today.

Home / Arts and Entertainment / Eddie Murphy Confronts Lifelong Struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

Eddie Murphy Confronts Lifelong Struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

12 Nov, 2025

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Summary

Recognized OCD symptoms as a child
Compulsively checked the stove for hours each night
Tried to force himself to stop the behavior

Eddie Murphy Confronts Lifelong Struggle with Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

In a candid revelation, renowned actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, 64, has shared his lifelong struggle with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in a new documentary. According to the report, Murphy first recognized the symptoms of OCD as a child, though he did not know what it was at the time.

As a young boy growing up in New York, Murphy would repeatedly check the stove in the kitchen, ensuring the gas was turned off. This compulsive behavior would go on for hours, with Murphy getting up from bed multiple times to recheck the stove before finally being able to sleep. Despite his mother being unaware of this ritual, Murphy now acknowledges it was a clear sign of his OCD.