Why Do We Still Love Eddie Murphy?

Eddie Murphy was 19 years old in 1980 when he exploded into the American consciousness on Saturday Night Live, bringing urban sass, pop-culture insight and wicked wit to characters like Gumby, Mister Robinson and Buckwheat, while in the process reviving the flagging comedy franchise. Two years later he co-starred in 48 Hrs., in which he walked into a white country-western bar, took the measure of its patrons and walked out a movie star. After his 1983 stand-up special, Delirious, Murphy became as ubiquitous as superstar peers Michael Jackson, Prince and Madonna, making blockbuster movies (Beverly Hills Cop, Coming to America) and selling out concert venues. As a comedian and an African-American, Murphy pushed boundaries, opened doors and made millions. Next year will mark Murphy's 40th as an entertainer, and it's shaping up to be a big one.