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Eddie Murphy Fooled Jesse Jackson with Brilliant Disguise
29 Nov, 2025
Summary
- Jesse Jackson mistook Eddie Murphy for an older actor in 'Coming to America'.
- Murphy played multiple elderly characters, including barbershop owner Clarence.
- Jackson thanked Murphy for supporting older Black actors in the film.
Eddie Murphy's remarkable ability to transform into different characters once led civil rights activist Jesse Jackson to believe he was speaking with an elderly Black actor.
During the 'Coming to America' afterparty in 1988, Jackson approached Murphy to thank him for providing opportunities to older Black actors in the film. He specifically praised the portrayal of the barbershop owner, unaware that the actor was Murphy himself in extensive makeup.
Murphy recalled Jackson's surprise upon learning the truth, with Jackson humorously stating he'd have to watch the movie again. This anecdote underscores Murphy's masterful skill in character transformation, a talent he demonstrated by playing four distinct roles in the film: Prince Akeem, Randy Watson, Clarence, and Saul.
