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Eddie Murphy: The Life and Times of a Comic on the Edge
Through exclusive interviews with colleagues and family, a biography of the actor-comedian traces the fluctuations of his erratic life and career, from his impoverished Brooklyn childhood to his return to film success with The Nutty Professor.
249 pages, Hardcover
First published December 1, 1997
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Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews
October 3, 2020
I came for the Eddie Murphy story … I stayed for the writing style of Frank Sanello…
The story of Murphy’s life has a few interesting twists but nothing to endear a three-star rating (if that) on its own, but Sanello’s prose and writing style is a delight to read, his analysis of the bare facts he presents is enjoyable and often spot-on point.
I have found myself reading a lot of biographies/autobiographies and memoirs recently and find that the books are often great in the early-going as they track the subject-person’s early life and climb to fame/prominence … but then become a snore-fest once said person becomes successful; the 2nd part of the book is usually just a series of dull anecdotal stories… but Sanello breathes life into the second part of his book, it never gets dull.
Honestly I plan to read biographies or non-fiction books that he has written, even if they are stories of people’s lives or subject matter to which I only have a marginal, if any, interest in… just to enjoy his writing.
The story of Murphy’s life has a few interesting twists but nothing to endear a three-star rating (if that) on its own, but Sanello’s prose and writing style is a delight to read, his analysis of the bare facts he presents is enjoyable and often spot-on point.
I have found myself reading a lot of biographies/autobiographies and memoirs recently and find that the books are often great in the early-going as they track the subject-person’s early life and climb to fame/prominence … but then become a snore-fest once said person becomes successful; the 2nd part of the book is usually just a series of dull anecdotal stories… but Sanello breathes life into the second part of his book, it never gets dull.
Honestly I plan to read biographies or non-fiction books that he has written, even if they are stories of people’s lives or subject matter to which I only have a marginal, if any, interest in… just to enjoy his writing.
August 18, 2021
Eddie Murphy: The Life & Times of a Comic on the Edge by Frank Sanello is a GOOD biography about a GREAT comedian!
Besides the music, one of the biggest perks of growing up in the 80s was enjoying the comedy stylings of Eddie Murphy. After a few seasons starring on SNL in the early 80s, Eddie suddenly found fame and fortune in Hollywood with blockbuster hits like 48 Hrs, Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Spaces, and Coming to America, plus he had two edgy stand up comedy specials (Delirious and Raw). At this time, it seemed that Eddie was America's favorite comedian... or least mine. He made me laugh harder than anyone during my youth, and I still remember some of the funny lines from his hilarious movies and TV performances.
During the early to mid-90s, Eddie starred in a string of lousy movies and his career took a nose dive. Finally in 1996, his career rebounded with The Nutty Professor. From there, he started making hits again including Dr. Dolittle, playing the voice of everyone's favorite donkey in the Shrek series, and more recently - starting in Coming 2 America.
This biography takes readers from Eddie's tumultuous childhood (including his father's death and living in foster care while his mother was ill for a year) through The Nutty Professor. It also covers interesting highlights from his personal life during these years. It makes for a very entertaining read.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the author's negative criticisms about Eddie's irreverent material in Raw. I got the impression that the author of this book hated that routine and it showed in the way he described this performance. I would have much rather that the author presented this information from a non-biased perspective and let the reader make up his or her mind as to whether the material was funny or offensive. Otherwise, this is a good book and well-worth the read!
Besides the music, one of the biggest perks of growing up in the 80s was enjoying the comedy stylings of Eddie Murphy. After a few seasons starring on SNL in the early 80s, Eddie suddenly found fame and fortune in Hollywood with blockbuster hits like 48 Hrs, Beverly Hills Cop, Trading Spaces, and Coming to America, plus he had two edgy stand up comedy specials (Delirious and Raw). At this time, it seemed that Eddie was America's favorite comedian... or least mine. He made me laugh harder than anyone during my youth, and I still remember some of the funny lines from his hilarious movies and TV performances.
During the early to mid-90s, Eddie starred in a string of lousy movies and his career took a nose dive. Finally in 1996, his career rebounded with The Nutty Professor. From there, he started making hits again including Dr. Dolittle, playing the voice of everyone's favorite donkey in the Shrek series, and more recently - starting in Coming 2 America.
This biography takes readers from Eddie's tumultuous childhood (including his father's death and living in foster care while his mother was ill for a year) through The Nutty Professor. It also covers interesting highlights from his personal life during these years. It makes for a very entertaining read.
The only thing I didn't like about this book was the author's negative criticisms about Eddie's irreverent material in Raw. I got the impression that the author of this book hated that routine and it showed in the way he described this performance. I would have much rather that the author presented this information from a non-biased perspective and let the reader make up his or her mind as to whether the material was funny or offensive. Otherwise, this is a good book and well-worth the read!
Displaying 1 - 2 of 2 reviews