Comedian and actor Eddie Murphy has revealed that over the years, he’s quietly paid for dozens of funerals and tombstones for family, friends, and mentors — including his brother Charlie Murphy, comedy legend Redd Foxx, and musician Rick James.
Despite his generosity, Murphy says he has chosen not to attend any of the services himself.
“They shouldn’t even have funerals,” he told USA Today. “Seeing your loved one out there like that… it’s too much emotionally.”
Murphy explained that funerals are simply too difficult for him. He prefers to celebrate life rather than dwell on death, honoring people by remembering who they were instead of mourning their passing.
He shared that he’s only attended two funerals in his entire life — for his biological father and his stepfather, who also served as his best man. Beyond those, Murphy says he finds the ritual too painful.
The 64-year-old entertainer also spoke candidly about his own end-of-life wishes. When the time comes, he wants to be cremated immediately, with no funeral or memorial service of any kind.
“Just cremate me and move on,” he said. “No gathering, no speeches. I’ve already lived my story.”
Murphy discussed these personal reflections while promoting his upcoming Netflix documentary, Being Eddie — a project exploring his life, faith, and relationships, featuring appearances by Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and other longtime friends.
The actor’s comments echo sentiments he’s shared before. In a 2024 People interview, Murphy joked that if anyone ever insisted on holding a service for him, they should at least play the Beverly Hills Cop theme to “keep things light.”
Beyond his own preferences, Murphy’s quiet generosity has long extended to others in the entertainment world. After Redd Foxx’s death in 1991, Murphy reportedly covered the funeral costs and tombstone, as he did for other late performers such as William “Buckwheat” Thomas Jr. and Tim Moore from Amos ’n’ Andy.
To Murphy, these gestures aren’t about recognition — they’re about respect. “I just do it because I loved them,” he said. “That’s how I pay my respects.”
