Eddie Murphy became one of Hollywood’s biggest stars at such a young age, and there was no obvious handbook waiting for him. He had other successful Black entertainers to look toward, but the advice he received was not always practical. James Brown, for instance, apparently believed the then up-and-coming young comedian’s best path to a long career involved cleaner language and a shovel. Thankfully, the legendary Saturday Night Live veteran did not take his advice.
Murphy recalled the wonderfully strange conversation in Apple TV’s Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood. The two-part documentary gathers prominent Black actors to discuss their breakthroughs, struggles and the people who helped them navigate the industry. His story begins with Brown warning that his famously profane stand-up act could shorten his time in show business. Per the Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood sketch performer:
