Eddie Murphy
The most charismatic film presence of the 1980s — and SNL's most indelible cast member. Coming to America is the greatest comedy of its era.
Pantheon Standing
| List Name | Rank | Combined |
|---|---|---|
| Greatest Film Actors of All Time | #1 | 96.0 |
The Age Divide
Voters under 30 and over 35 rank Eddie Murphy significantly differently across lists.
The Cultural Record
Discography
No entries on record.
Awards & Recognition
No Grammy data on record.
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Beverly Hills Cop franchise
48 Hrs.
Trading Places
Coming to America
The Nutty Professor
Dreamgirls (Oscar nom)
Dolemite
SNL legend
Raw/Delirious standup specials
The Case For Eddie Murphy
“The longevity argument alone puts them in a category of one. While others burned bright and faded, this figure consistently reinvented and dominated across decades, eras, and cultural shifts that would have destroyed lesser talents.”
“Technically unmatched. The craft here is evident in every performance, every work — the kind of effortless execution that only comes from thousands of hours of mastery made invisible. They make the impossible look inevitable.”
“Commercial success should never be held against artistic legacy. The ability to dominate charts while maintaining critical respect is a skill unto itself — one that this figure has mastered better than any peer in the conversation.”
Rank History
Ranking history will be available once voting opens for Eddie Murphy.
Often Compared To
Jack Nicholson
#2Actors / Male — Neptune City, New Jersey · 1963–2010
Three Oscars, 12 nominations, and an unforgettable presence in some of the most iconic films of American cinema — including the most terrifying performance ever put to film in The Shining.
Jamie Foxx
#3Actors / Male — Terrell, Texas · 1989–present
The only person to be Oscar-nominated as Best Actor and Best Supporting Actor in the same year — Ray Charles's biopic showcased a talent that spans drama, comedy, and music.