Pop culture was rocked on Wednesday by the loss of Charlie Murphy, an unfiltered straight-faced storyteller who guaranteed to make you laugh before he finishes his sentence.
His sly smile always gave away that something uber comedic would follow.
As the older brother of Eddie Murphy, one of comedy’s greatest voices, Charlie was that one-of-a kind type of unique. His approach came across intentionally improvised and the stories, my lawd!, the stories packed enough visual detail that could bring tears of laughter to your eyes.
For his talent and ability to create his own lane, we salute this cultural gem.
Charlie passed at the age of 57 from Leukemia. He had been undergoing chemotherapy treatments. Adding to the heartbreak, Charlie lost his wife to cancer in 2009.
Just came out of meditation and learned that one of my friends and my biggest comedy idol passed. Damn I loved Charlie Murphy ❤❤❤❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 12, 2017
Of the many memories, most became familiar with Charlie during The Chappelle Show era where he delivered the hilarious “Charlie Murphy’s Hollywood Stories.” These recollections took viewers on a trip to the basketball courts where Murphy played against a blouse-wearing Prince, had us questioning if he really saw Stevie Wonder boxing and led us on a full excursion with Rick James, “the habitual line-stepper.”
Talk about classic material! (Watch a montage of his hilarity above.)
Charlie Murphy was a great man. God bless, we already miss you.
— Lil Chano From 79th (@chancetherapper) April 12, 2017
What was also special about Charlie is the relationship he shared with his brother.
Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy. He took a chance on a young director in The Player’s Club. Always made me laugh. RIP pic.twitter.com/yChjFtSDH4
— Ice Cube (@icecube) April 12, 2017
Rest in peace and power, Charlie Murphy. (*Chappelle voice).
*Video: Chan C. Smith