UPDATE: In a striking revelation from his new Netflix documentary, Being Eddie, comedian Eddie Murphy disclosed that he financed the funerals of several show business legends, including the late musician Rick James, Emmy-nominated comedian Redd Foxx, and child actor Billy “Buckwheat” Thomas. The documentary, directed by Angus Wall, began streaming today, October 15, 2023, and provides an intimate look at Murphy’s nearly 50-year career.
During a heartfelt segment filmed at his lavish California mansion, Murphy opened up about the emotional burden he feels when friends in the industry pass away without financial support. “It tripped me out, these people in show business, when they pass away, there’s not even no money to bury these people? Where are their families?” he poignantly asked.
Murphy, 64, recounted how he had to take on the responsibility of funding funerals for his friends, stating, “I had to bury Redd. I had to bury Rick.” He also revealed that he purchased a tombstone for Buckwheat, who, according to Murphy, did not have one at the time of his passing. This stark admission highlights the often-overlooked struggles faced by those in the entertainment industry after their deaths.
In a recent interview with USA Today, Murphy explained his complex relationship with funerals. “I’ve paid for a lot of funerals, but I don’t go to funerals,” he stated. Murphy expressed his discomfort with the ritual, describing it as “morbid.” He made it clear that when his time comes, he does not want a funeral, saying, “I am to be cremated immediately. Just keep it rolling. None of that trauma.”
As the documentary continues to gain attention, Murphy’s candid comments are sparking discussions about the financial realities many entertainers face after their careers end. With his reflections on mortality and legacy, Murphy’s words resonate deeply, prompting viewers to rethink their perceptions of fame and its aftermath.
As fans and the media absorb these revelations, the documentary Being Eddie is set to create waves in the entertainment community. What happens next? Expect a surge of conversations surrounding the financial and emotional challenges faced by entertainers, as more people engage with Murphy’s poignant messages about friendship, loss, and the often-unseen burdens of fame.
Stay tuned for more updates on this developing story as it unfolds.