Charlie Murphy Dead at 57
Charlie Murphy, a stand-up comedian, actor, and the star of “Chappelle’s Show,” has sadly passed away after a battle with leukemia. He was 57.
The older brother to Eddie Murphy passed on Wednesday morning (April 12) in a New York City hospital where he had been undergoing chemotherapy, according to TMZ.
Family members are not only distraught, but also shocked because many believed that Murphy was recovering from his battle with cancer.
Murphy was a star on “Chappelle’s Show,” acting in some of the Comedy Central program’s most celebrated skits, including his famous Rick James and Prince bits. He also co-wrote films like Norbit and acted in movies like Are We There Yet?
The late comic’s wife Tisha Taylor Murphy died in 2009 from cervical cancer. They had two children and Charlie had another child from a previous relationship.
Upon hearing the news, many celebrities took to social media to mourn his passing. Ice Cube, who worked extensively with Murphy on movies like The Players Club, expressed his grief.
“Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy,” tweeted Cube. “He took a chance on a young director in The Players Club. Always made me laugh. RIP.”
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
Shad Moss aka Bow Wow, who acted beside Murphy in Lottery Ticket, said he was speechless.
Wow! Lottery Ticket is on @mtv RIGHT NOW! Rip Charlie murphy! I dont know what to say man…
— Bow Wow (@smoss) April 12, 2017
Chris Rock, who starred in the hip-hop-based mockumentary CB4 alongside Charlie Murphy, also had this to say: “We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time. Charlie Murphy RIP.”
We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP. pic.twitter.com/AAwItp5AJC
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 12, 2017
Fellow comic Kevin Hart also shared some of their memories on social media. “Wow,” wrote Hart. “This is crazy. All I can say is RIP. Thank you for not only being a friend but for believing in me when I was young in this comedy game. Charlie Murphy did the rewrite for the first movie that I ever did called ‘Paper Soldiers’….His stories were legendary & unbelievable & heartfelt. I’m lucky to have know you and I’m even luckier to be able to say that I was a friend. You will be missed man.”
https://www.instagram.com/p/BSy1sWqDhOQ/
Others like Chance the Rapper, The Weeknd, LL Cool J, Lil Yachty, and Gabrielle Union offered their condolences as well.
Charlie Murphy was a great man. God bless, we already miss you.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 12, 2017
Rest In Peace Charlie Murphy 🙏🏾
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) April 12, 2017
Rest in peace, Charlie Murphy.