The late comedian, actor, and writer, Charlie Murphy, was a talent in his own right, although he often stood in the shadow of his famous younger brother, Eddie Murphy. In a career spanning decades, Murphy became known for his stand-up performances, television work, and sketch shows on Chappelle’s Show. As of 2017, the year of his death, Charlie Murphy was estimated to have around $2.5 million net worth. He earned this figure from a blend of acting roles, comedic tours, and writing work.
Early Life and Path to Comedy
Born in 1959 in Brooklyn, New York, Charlie Murphy was raised in a creative household. His upbringing included time in jail before turning his life around and enlisting in the U.S. Navy. Charlie left the service for entertainment, working initially behind the scenes in Eddie’s entourage. While his connection to Eddie Murphy open doors for him in the entertainment world, Charlie was determined to forge his own path.
While he was most famous for his comedic talent, Charlie Murphy’s career actually began with small acting roles in films such as Harlem Nights (1989) and Jungle Fever (1991). These early roles gave him experience and exposure as an actor and a storyteller.
Major Sources of Income
Comedy and Chappelle’s Show: Charlie Murphy made his major career breakthrough in the early 2000s when he became a central figure on Dave Chappelle’s sketch comedy series, Chappelle’s Show. Murphy’s iconic “True Hollywood Stories” sketches about hilarious, real-life encounters with stars like Prince and Rick James became instant classics. These sketches elevated Chappelle’s Show and made Charlie a fan favorite.
The show became a cult classic, which added to his net worth significantly. Reruns, DVD sales, and licensing of Chappelle’s Show have continued to generate income long after its original run, helping Murphy make money.
Film and Television Roles: Outside of Chappelle’s Show, Charlie Murphy acted in numerous films and television series, often displaying his comedic and dramatic range. He acted in movies like The Boondocks, Norbit, and Night at the Museum. His voice also appeared on animated projects such as The Boondocks.
These roles were never blockbuster hits but provided Murphy with steady income and allowed him to remain active in Hollywood.
Stand-Up Comedy and Tours: Besides acting on the silver screen, Charlie Murphy was also a stand-up comedian. He made good money from his comedy career – especially during the later part of his life. He toured extensively doing stand-up throughout the U.S. He often talked about his own life with Eddie and dealings with other celebrities.
His raw comedic style won fans over and landed him gigs as a headliner in major comedy venues.
Personal Life and Legacy
Charlie Murphy experienced both victories and hardships in his private life. He married Tisha Taylor Murphy from 1997 until her passing in 2009 due to cancer. The pair had two kids together, and Murphy also had a son from a previous relationship. His stand-up routines often included loving mentions of his family.
Murphy died in April 2017 of leukemia. The tributes from fellow comedians and fans were heartbreaking after his death.
While Charlie Murphy earned little compared to some of his peers, he had an enormous impact on comedy and the entertainment industry.
