Eddie Murphy Honors Late Brother Charlie in Emotional Netflix Documentary

The 2025 Netflix documentary "Being Eddie" offers a rare glimpse into the personal life of legendary comedian Eddie Murphy. The film delves into Murphy's upbringing, focusing on the close relationship he shared with his two brothers, Charlie and Vernon.

Born in 1961 in Brooklyn, New York, Eddie and his older brother Charlie were raised by their mother, Lillian, and their stepfather, Vernon Lynch Sr., after their biological father's death in 1969. The brothers, along with their younger half-brother Vernon Jr., shared a strong bond that endured throughout their lives.

Charlie, who was born in 1959, pursued a career in comedy and writing, collaborating with Eddie on several projects, including the 2007 film "Norbit." Tragically, Charlie passed away from leukemia in 2017, a loss that deeply affected the Murphy family. In the documentary, Eddie becomes visibly emotional when reflecting on his brother's passing, a rare moment of vulnerability for the usually guarded comedian.

Meanwhile, Vernon Jr. followed a different path, briefly enjoying a career as a musician in the late 1980s before transitioning into a writing career. He was one of the writers for the 1995 Wes Craven film "Vampire in Brooklyn," which starred his brother Eddie.

Through intimate interviews and archival footage, "Being Eddie" offers a poignant exploration of the Murphy brothers' shared history, their individual successes, and the enduring love that bound them together, even in the face of tragedy.