“Eddie Murphy has changed the game forever,” — explained Casey Patterson, executive producer and executive vice president, event production, MTV Networks Entertainment Group — and the entertainer will receive the first ever “Comedy Icon Award.”
The Comedy Awards airs Sunday, April 10, across multiple MTV networks including Comedy Central, Spike TV, VH1, CMT, TV Land, Logo and Nick At Nite.
After 30 years of comedy, Murphy’s genius sketch, stand-up, sketch, film and television, among other numerous pioneering achievements, will be honored. “Eddie Murphy’s impact in the world of comedy is immeasurable,” said Patterson. “From the characters he created on ‘SNL,’ to his groundbreaking stand-up performances and unforgettable film roles.”
The Roots to Perform
Grammy Award-winning group, The Roots, will perform as the award show’s official house band throughout the event. Andy Samberg, Jorma Taccone and Akiva Schaffer of “The Lonely Island,” will perform “I Just Had Sex” (featuring Akon), for the first time live.
Eddie Murphy’s comedic talent was evident from an early age.
Murphy was born in Brooklyn, N.Y., in 1961, the youngest son of Lillian Murphy, a widow.
As a kid, Murphy worked on his impressions and comedy routines rather than hitting the books. Being funny made him popular among his classmates at Roosevelt Junior-Senior High School, and by the time he was 15, Murphy took his show to the people.
Murphy used spot-on celebrity impressions, and his candid outlook on life to entertain passersby — and later club audiences.
The self-styled comedian was 19 when he was offered a contract for the Not-Ready-For-Prime-Time Players of “Saturday Night Live” (1975). His famous characters included Mr. Robinson’s neighborhood, Velvet Jones, and the very angry Gumby.
In 1982, Murphy crossed over to film with his debut role in 48 Hours, opposite Nick Nolte. Murphy’s film career has spanned three decades and includes box-office hits such as Delirious, Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Places, and the classic comedy, Coming to America.
Murphy received the Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor in a Motion Picture, Musical or Drama and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor for Dreamgirls.
