Eddie Murphy's Surprising Key to Dodging Hollywood's Perils

Iconic actor and comedian Eddie Murphy is celebrating his nearly 50-year career in the entertainment industry. In a recent interview, the star opens up about how he's managed to survive and thrive in Hollywood, where many of his peers have fallen victim to drug and alcohol abuse.

Murphy credits his lifelong self-love as the key factor that protected him from the pitfalls that claimed the lives of fellow comedians like Rick James and Redd Foxx. "My most important blessing is that I love myself," he says. "I've always loved myself, always been my biggest fan. That's at the core of all of the decisions that you make."

The proud father of 10 reflects on specific moments that exemplify his unwavering self-acceptance. When he was just 19 years old, Murphy was out with comedians Robin Williams and John Belushi, who were doing cocaine. But Murphy declined their invitation, saying, "I wasn't taking some moral stance. I just wasn't interested in it." He adds, "To not have the desire or the curiosity, I'd say that's providence."

Murphy also reveals he only tried marijuana for the first time when he turned 30, in contrast to the "self-destructive tendencies" he witnessed in superstars like Whitney Houston and Michael Jackson. The star's commitment to self-love has clearly paid off, as he celebrates his remarkable longevity in the entertainment industry.