The Tragic Story Of Eddie Murphy’s Brother Charlie Murphy

Charlie Murphy is perhaps best known for his performances on Comedy Central’s Chappelle’s Show, and Adult Swim’s Black Jesus (per IMDb), but he’s likely best known for being the older brother of actor and comedian Eddie Murphy. The elder Murphy’s life journey and comedic career was sadly cut short, however, in 2017, following a devastating bout of illness (via The Independent). 

In a statement to The Hollywood Reporter, the comedian’s former publicist, Domenick Nati, confirmed Murphy had passed away from leukemia on Wednesday, April 12, 2017. He was 57 years old. “Our hearts are heavy with the loss today of our son, brother, father, uncle and friend Charlie,” the Murphy family shared in an official statement to the publication. “Charlie filled our family with love and laughter and there won’t be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed. Thank you for the outpouring of condolences and prayers. We respectfully ask for privacy during this time of great loss for all of us.”

Charlie posted an ominous final tweet in April 2017, just two days before his untimely death, which read: “One to Sleep On: Release the past to rest as deeply as possible.”

Charlie Murphy's wife died of cancer in 2009

As Time reports, Charlie Murphy was in the midst of a stand-up comedy tour at the time of his passing, starring alongside the likes of Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, D.L. Hughley and George Lopez. News of Murphy’s death prompted an outpouring of heartfelt tributes on social media from close friends and colleagues, including the late comedian’s Chappelle’s Show co-star Donnell Rawlings, who wrote at the time, “you’ll be missed but never forgotten. Charlie was a lion. It’s time for Darkness to see the light.” 

Murphy succumbed to leukemia eight years after the death of his wife Tisha Taylor Murphy, who passed away from cancer in December 2009. As MTV reports, the pair married in 1997 and had two children together. A statement from the family’s publicist at the time read, “Tisha Taylor Murphy, wife of comedian and actor Charlie Murphy, passed away peacefully on Sunday with family at her side after facing the challenges of cancer for the past two years.” The statement concluded, “The Murphy Family appreciates all of the support they have received from friends and fans and requests privacy during this very difficult time.”

Source: Read Full Article