Eddie Murphy's Rare Moment of Vulnerability Captured in New Netflix Documentary

A new Netflix documentary, "Being Eddie," provides a rare look into the vulnerability of legendary comedian Eddie Murphy. The film, set to premiere on November 12, 2025, features interviews with Murphy and those who have been influenced by his work, including Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Kevin Hart.

One of the most poignant aspects of the documentary is the presence of Murphy's older brother, Charlie Murphy, who passed away from leukemia in 2017 at the age of 57. Charlie, known for his storytelling on "Chappelle's Show," is shown in archival footage and a childhood painting, proudly boasting about his younger brother's accomplishments. His lasting impact on Eddie is a central theme throughout the film.

The documentary also captures a moment where the "Nutty Professor" actor opens up about how much he misses Charlie and shares his own thoughts on mortality. Murphy admits that this is the only time in his 50-year career that he has allowed himself to be so vulnerable on camera, describing it as a "flicker" of his true self that the audience can feel.

The comedian reveals that his guarded public persona stems from his experiences early in his career, when he felt he was unfairly criticized and even subjected to racist remarks in interviews. He recalls that his blockbuster films, such as "Beverly Hills Cop" and "Coming to America," were often panned by critics, despite their immense popularity with audiences. Murphy says he learned to dismiss the negative reviews, viewing them as rooted in prejudice against a successful Black-led film.

Despite the challenges, Murphy's success paved the way for more diverse representation in Hollywood. As he reflects on his legacy, the documentary provides a rare, intimate glimpse into the man behind the comedy legend.