Charlie Murphy, Comedian & ‘Chappelle’s Show’ Star, Has Passed Away
Charlie Murphy, the comedian whose career catapulted forward after appearing in some of Dave Chappelle’s most memorable skits on Chappelle’s Show in the 2000s, has reportedly passed away today, April 12.
The older brother of legendary comedian and actor Eddie, Charles Quinton “Charlie” Murphy was born in Brooklyn, New York and would eventually land a role in both 1989’s Harlem Nights and 1993’s CB4. Over the next several years, he worked as an actor, comedian, voice actor, and a writer. But it was Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories appearances on Chappelle’s show that introduced him to his largest audience yet. Some of the sketch-comedy program’s most memorable moments came from Charlie’s mind, including the unforgettable ones involving Rick James and Prince.
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In the years since, Murphy found success on the Adult Swim program Black Jesus, in which he played the role of Vic. Murphy was also deeply involved with Hip-Hop, and recently starred in a music video for Nice & Smooth’s Smooth B. In addition, he worked extensively alongside his younger brother, helping Eddie write Vampire In Brooklyn and Norbit.
Among the outpouring of love for Murphy on social media was a message posted by Ice Cube, who directed Charlie in 1998’s The Player’s Club.
Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy. He took a chance on a young director in The Player’s Club. Always made me laugh. RIP pic.twitter.com/yChjFtSDH4
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 12, 2017
“Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy. He took a chance on a young director in The Player’s Club. Always made me laugh. RIP,” wrote Cube.
Charlie Murphy’s publicist confirmed the 57-year-old died after a lengthy battle with leukemia. Ambrosia For Heads extends our condolences to the Murphy family, as well as to all of those who are feeling tremendous loss today.