Eddie Murphy has addressed the criticism his 2007 film Norbit received, explaining that much of the backlash was driven by personal dislike rather than the movie’s quality. Speaking with Speedy Morman on the podcast 360 With Speedy, Murphy expressed pride in the film, which he co-wrote with his late brother, Charlie Murphy, and insisted he still enjoys it despite mixed reviews. This discussion is part of a broader conversation where Murphy reflects on his comedic career and the legacy he hopes to leave behind.
Facing Criticism After Oscar Nomination
Norbit came out shortly after Murphy earned an Oscar nomination for his role in Dreamgirls, which led some critics to question his acting abilities and even the legitimacy of his nomination. Despite this scrutiny, Murphy remained unfazed, pointing out his collaboration with his brother on Norbit and standing by the film’s humor. During the podcast, Murphy remarked, “…We think ‘Norbit’ is funny,” affirming his confidence in their creative work.
Responding to Razzie Awards and Negative Feedback
Murphy also addressed his experiences with the Golden Raspberry Awards, where he received multiple nominations including Worst Actor, Worst Actress, and Actor of the Decade. Reflecting on these, he said,
“I was like, ‘Come on now, that sh*t ain’t that bad,”
and added,
“They was just hating on a n*gga.”
His comments highlight his belief that much of the negativity stemmed from bias rather than objective critique.
Emphasizing Family as His True Legacy
When asked about what legacy means to him, Murphy clearly separated his professional work from his personal impact. He stated,
“Like, this what I do to make a living. It’s not my legacy,”
adding,
“My legacy is …that I produced these wonderful, ya know, well-balanced, human beings.”
He further expressed pride in the character of his children:
“All my kids are really good people, and that’s my legacy. I got these great kids that I produced.”
Murphy is a father of ten. His children include Eric with former girlfriend Paulette McNeely, Christian with ex-girlfriend Tamara Hood, five children (Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella) with his ex-wife Nicole, Angel with Spice Girls singer Mel B, and two children (Izzy and Max) with his current wife, Australian model Paige Butcher.
Reflecting on His Career and Future Roles
In addition to revisiting past controversies and accolades, Murphy touched on highlights of his long career and future projects during the podcast interview. He recounted an instance of receiving unusual acting advice from Sidney Poitier and announced his upcoming role portraying funk legend George Clinton in an upcoming biopic. These reflections illustrate Murphy’s sustained presence and evolving roles in the entertainment industry, underscoring his ongoing influence.
