Eddie Murphy has spoken about an unexpected encounter from the night of his 21st birthday at Studio 54, describing an unusual proposal from actor Yul Brynner and his wife. The surprising story, revealed in Murphy’s Netflix documentary Being Eddie, adds a new chapter to the comedian’s early career, shining a light on a memorable Eddie Murphy birthday incident involving Hollywood legends in New York.
Unexpected Proposal at Studio 54
During his Netflix documentary Being Eddie, Eddie Murphy recalls meeting renowned actor Yul Brynner and Brynner’s wife while celebrating his birthday at the famous New York nightclub Studio 54. The moment became unforgettable as the legendary Hollywood couple approached the young comedian at the party, raising curiosity about the true nature of their invitation.
Reflecting on the Encounter Years Later
Murphy described the scenario, saying,
Yul Brynner, ‘Ten Commandments,’ he was with his wife and he was like, ‘How would you like to go back to my apartment with my wife and I and party?’ And I was like, ‘Nah, I’m cool!’
—Eddie Murphy, Comedian. This casual refusal took on a different meaning over time. Reflecting as he grew older, Murphy revealed,
And I realized as I got older, his wife was smiling. Did he want me to go f**k his wife?
—Eddie Murphy, Comedian. The comic emphasized the element of surprise in the moment and his later interpretation of the exchange.
The Story’s Surprising Twist and Humor
Continuing to joke about how things could have turned out, Murphy added,
The story would [have] ended better.
—Eddie Murphy, Comedian. With his trademark humor, he envisioned a different scenario, stating,
You know, ‘Yeah, I went back to Yul Brynner’s and f***ed his wife, and he was watching me going, ‘Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!’
—Eddie Murphy, Comedian. Yul Brynner, known for roles in The King and I and other classic films, passed away in 1985 after dealing with lung cancer.
Context Within Murphy’s Wider Career
The documentary Being Eddie takes viewers through various personal and professional moments from Murphy’s life. Stories like his 21st birthday incident at Studio 54 illustrate the unexpected experiences that have shaped Murphy’s life and career. The film, now available on Netflix, provides a deeper understanding of the comedian’s reflections and anecdotes.
This revelation from Murphy, originally reported by Disheeta Maheshwari for Mandatory, adds nuance to his persona, highlighting the unpredictable events that can occur in show business and giving audiences fresh insight into a legendary entertainer’s life journey.
