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The Making of a Stand-Up Guy
As one of the most popular performers on Comedy Central’s mega-hit The Chappelle Show, Charlie Murphy—older brother of comedy legend Eddie Murphy—shares his passion for comedy and tells his true Hollywood stories in this juicy and highly entertaining memoir.Once described by Chris Rock as “Eddie Murphy on acid,” Charlie Murphy has achieved fame as a recurring performer on the critically acclaimed, three-time Emmy-nominated cult sensation Chappelle’s Show on Comedy Central. Celebrated in particular for his “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories” skits, featuring hilarious renditions of Rick James and Prince, Murphy now recounts many of the actual stories that inspired these popular sketches in vivid and comical detail in Doing The Making of a Stand-Up Guy. With his flare for storytelling and his distinctive and fearless voice, it’s no wonder that Charlie Murphy has been the subject of many featured stories in numerous magazines, including GQ, Essence, Rolling Stone, and he was recently listed as one of the Hottest People to Watch in Entertainment Weekly’s “Must List.” Featuring outrageous misadventures as part of his younger brother Eddie’s entourage, and hysterical encounters with numerous celebrities, Doing The Making of a Stand-Up Guy is a fascinating and wildly funny chronicle from one of the most talented comedians today.
240 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
13 people are currently reading
75 people want to read
About the author
Charlie Murphy
10 booksCharlie Murphy was an American actor, comedian, voice artist, and writer. Murphy was known as a writer and cast member of the Comedy Central sketch-comedy series Chappelle's Show. He was the older brother of Eddie Murphy.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
Librarian’s note: There is more than one author in the Goodreads database with this name.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
May 31, 2017
I picked up this book for insights into Charlie's journey of self-discovery. I appreciate his honest portrayal of his struggles to becoming his own person, to living the life he wanted, and to staying the course despite setbacks. This book reinforces the truth that talent must be accompanied with hard work, discipline, perseverance and stepping out of One's comfort zone.
December 28, 2009
I picked up this book wanting more of the True Hollywood stories that were featured on Chappelle's Show. Well, that's not exactly what I got. Charlie Murphy is very nice to all the celebrities mentioned in the book...well, all but Michael Jackson, but the details of his encounters with some of the Hollywood A-List are very few. The book concentrates on his life - from birth to the present.
I actually enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book the best because he talked about his childhood and some of the trouble he got into, often with hilarious results. He talked about his time in the Navy, and it was kind of fascinating to learn that Eddie got famous while Charlie was away serving in the military, so that Eddie's success didn't affect him totally until he returned.
At this point, the book gets a little boring. I guess that's because it's all kind of obvious. He becomes Eddie's bodyguard, meets celebrities, and tries his hand at stand-up comedy. Chappelle's Show gets minimal treatment, but I guess in the scheme of things, that part of his life is very short. He is very proud of his accomplishments, which include martial arts, writing money-making screenplays, and becoming a stand-up comic. I would definitely go see his act.
I actually enjoyed the first 2/3 of the book the best because he talked about his childhood and some of the trouble he got into, often with hilarious results. He talked about his time in the Navy, and it was kind of fascinating to learn that Eddie got famous while Charlie was away serving in the military, so that Eddie's success didn't affect him totally until he returned.
At this point, the book gets a little boring. I guess that's because it's all kind of obvious. He becomes Eddie's bodyguard, meets celebrities, and tries his hand at stand-up comedy. Chappelle's Show gets minimal treatment, but I guess in the scheme of things, that part of his life is very short. He is very proud of his accomplishments, which include martial arts, writing money-making screenplays, and becoming a stand-up comic. I would definitely go see his act.
July 20, 2010
Before reading this book, I didn’t know who Charlie Murphy was. I thought from the cover, he sure looks like Eddie Murphy. He is in fact, his older brother! I enjoyed this book, written in first person, covering his life growing up in Brooklyn to the present. This is a fast read with some really funny stuff sprinkled throughout the book.
When he was a kid, he recognized that he lacked the drive and purpose that his brother had. I think that may have been a contributing factor along with the neighborhood that he lived in as to why he got into trouble with the law. But he paid his price and set on a genuine search to find himself and what he could do well. What I liked the best was that he gained respect for himself and did not disparage others. He did not spout cheap Hollywood tell all stories but I think I would have preferred it if he didn’t discuss the celebrities so much at the end of the book. He touched on his guilt that his beloved parrot died while on the road. I can understand why he never bought another parrot. I would have loved to hear some about his relationship to the rest of his family in the present also. I now know who Charlie Murphy is and would be delighted to meet him.
When he was a kid, he recognized that he lacked the drive and purpose that his brother had. I think that may have been a contributing factor along with the neighborhood that he lived in as to why he got into trouble with the law. But he paid his price and set on a genuine search to find himself and what he could do well. What I liked the best was that he gained respect for himself and did not disparage others. He did not spout cheap Hollywood tell all stories but I think I would have preferred it if he didn’t discuss the celebrities so much at the end of the book. He touched on his guilt that his beloved parrot died while on the road. I can understand why he never bought another parrot. I would have loved to hear some about his relationship to the rest of his family in the present also. I now know who Charlie Murphy is and would be delighted to meet him.
March 11, 2010
If you are expecting to read more of Charlie Murphy Hollywood Stories from The Chapelle Show, this book will not fill that need. What is accomplished in this book is a story of someone who after making several bad choices in his life, finally discovers his place in the world and achieves his dream of being a screenwriter as well as a comedian. This book provides insight on the life experiences that made Charlie Murphy the person he is today and I liked that as I read the book, it was written in a conversational tone so you felt like he was sitting and talking to you.
May 14, 2011
It wasn't what I expected. But that was often a good thing.
Charlie isn't writing a lot of jokes throughout this memoir, he's talking about his growth and learning as a man independent of Eddie. He talks about his life as a 5 percenter, a gang member,a naval officer, a martial artist and finally a comedian. Now, there are some good backstories on Rick James, Martin Lawrence, Paul Mooney, and Diana Ross to name a few, but mostly it is an humble look at his life. I was impressed and touched. It can be slow at times but it picks up once you let go of your preconceived notions.
Charlie isn't writing a lot of jokes throughout this memoir, he's talking about his growth and learning as a man independent of Eddie. He talks about his life as a 5 percenter, a gang member,a naval officer, a martial artist and finally a comedian. Now, there are some good backstories on Rick James, Martin Lawrence, Paul Mooney, and Diana Ross to name a few, but mostly it is an humble look at his life. I was impressed and touched. It can be slow at times but it picks up once you let go of your preconceived notions.
January 3, 2013
This was read so long ago, so I don't remember if this should be a 3 or 4, but since I remember really liking it, I gave it a 4. I liked the book because I had heard so much about his brother, Eddie, but hadn't known much about Charlie. I enjoyed him on Chappelle's Show. It was a refreshing read on the "not-so-much-known" Murphy.
November 17, 2025
Charlie Murphy’s memoir lands with the same raw honesty and unfiltered humanity that defined the man himself. What struck me most is how clearly this book separates Charlie from the long shadow of his younger brother, Eddie. Not by distancing himself, but by standing firmly in his own story—one built on grit, detours, self-reckoning, and a kind of earned wisdom you only get from living all the way to the edges.
This isn’t a linear “rise to fame” narrative. It’s far more real than that. Charlie’s path moves like a heartbeat ... up, down, up again as he threads through the streets of Brooklyn and Long Island, the weight of early responsibility, the military, fatherhood, and finally the stage. At each turn, he doesn’t glamorize his missteps or inflate his victories. Instead, he shows how every era shaped his sense of self. The book reads like a man telling the truth because he’s finally at peace with who he became.
What I appreciate most is the sense of interior calm that grows in him over time. By the last chapters, you feel the centeredness of someone who has shed the need for comparison, spotlight, or approval. You see an artist who earned success through resilience and self-knowledge rather than shortcuts or hype. And you walk away understanding that his comedic voice—sharp, fearless, deeply observant—came from a lifetime of surviving, watching, evolving, and ultimately loving who he was.
If you come in expecting the memoir of a celebrity riding in the wake of his famous brother, you’ll miss the point. This is the story of Charlie Murphy: a man who became his own force of nature, not despite the chaos of his journey, but because of it.
A powerful, grounded, and unexpectedly tender read.
This isn’t a linear “rise to fame” narrative. It’s far more real than that. Charlie’s path moves like a heartbeat ... up, down, up again as he threads through the streets of Brooklyn and Long Island, the weight of early responsibility, the military, fatherhood, and finally the stage. At each turn, he doesn’t glamorize his missteps or inflate his victories. Instead, he shows how every era shaped his sense of self. The book reads like a man telling the truth because he’s finally at peace with who he became.
What I appreciate most is the sense of interior calm that grows in him over time. By the last chapters, you feel the centeredness of someone who has shed the need for comparison, spotlight, or approval. You see an artist who earned success through resilience and self-knowledge rather than shortcuts or hype. And you walk away understanding that his comedic voice—sharp, fearless, deeply observant—came from a lifetime of surviving, watching, evolving, and ultimately loving who he was.
If you come in expecting the memoir of a celebrity riding in the wake of his famous brother, you’ll miss the point. This is the story of Charlie Murphy: a man who became his own force of nature, not despite the chaos of his journey, but because of it.
A powerful, grounded, and unexpectedly tender read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2018
Loved it! Charlie was a classic funny dude from the neighborhood. If you enjoyed his skits on The Chappelle Show, you will like be this book. Or if you like laughing at stupidity, you will love this book. RIP Charlie! Thanks to everyone involved in writing this book. This is my favorite comedians biography.
July 30, 2017
The book works best with tales of struggle, rather than success. The part about being in the Navy entertained as well as chapters dealing with honing his act.
August 1, 2017
Funny and insightful!
December 16, 2017
a man's loud life
September 13, 2022
If you're a true fan youll love the book
February 24, 2017
I wish I could give this 3.5 stars, but I can't.
True, I have a guilty pleasure for biographies of celebrities. However, I thought this was very enjoyable. It's not a story about Eddie, and it was interesting to see how it would be being the brother of Eddie Murphy. I thought this was entertaining and definitely have more respect for Charlie as a person.
True, I have a guilty pleasure for biographies of celebrities. However, I thought this was very enjoyable. It's not a story about Eddie, and it was interesting to see how it would be being the brother of Eddie Murphy. I thought this was entertaining and definitely have more respect for Charlie as a person.
October 11, 2023
"The Making of Stand Up Guy" by Charlie Murphy is a candid and at times humorous exploration of the author's life and experiences, particularly his journey into the world of stand-up comedy. While I appreciated Murphy's candid storytelling and enjoyed parts of the book, I found myself somewhat conflicted due to certain aspects.
One of the book's strengths lies in Charlie Murphy's genuine and unfiltered approach to storytelling. He shares personal anecdotes and insights into his life with refreshing honesty, which makes the reader feel a deeper connection with his experiences and challenges. The behind-the-scenes look at his comedy career and the entertainment industry is both enlightening and entertaining.
However, I share your sentiment that some of the stories seemed to meander without a clear purpose or resolution. This led to a sense of frustration as the narrative at times felt disjointed. The lack of a clear structure or narrative arc made it challenging to fully engage with every aspect of the book.
Additionally, the writing style in "The Making of Stand Up Guy" might not be to everyone's taste. Murphy's unique voice and delivery are an integral part of his stand-up comedy persona, and they do shine through in his writing. Still, it may come across as somewhat unconventional and may not resonate with all readers.
In summary, "The Making of Stand Up Guy" offers an intimate glimpse into Charlie Murphy's life and comedy career. It has moments of genuine humor and candor, which I appreciated. However, the book's lack of structure, occasional meandering storytelling, and unconventional writing style may present challenges for some readers. It's a book that will likely resonate more with fans of Charlie Murphy and those who appreciate his stand-up comedy style.
One of the book's strengths lies in Charlie Murphy's genuine and unfiltered approach to storytelling. He shares personal anecdotes and insights into his life with refreshing honesty, which makes the reader feel a deeper connection with his experiences and challenges. The behind-the-scenes look at his comedy career and the entertainment industry is both enlightening and entertaining.
However, I share your sentiment that some of the stories seemed to meander without a clear purpose or resolution. This led to a sense of frustration as the narrative at times felt disjointed. The lack of a clear structure or narrative arc made it challenging to fully engage with every aspect of the book.
Additionally, the writing style in "The Making of Stand Up Guy" might not be to everyone's taste. Murphy's unique voice and delivery are an integral part of his stand-up comedy persona, and they do shine through in his writing. Still, it may come across as somewhat unconventional and may not resonate with all readers.
In summary, "The Making of Stand Up Guy" offers an intimate glimpse into Charlie Murphy's life and comedy career. It has moments of genuine humor and candor, which I appreciated. However, the book's lack of structure, occasional meandering storytelling, and unconventional writing style may present challenges for some readers. It's a book that will likely resonate more with fans of Charlie Murphy and those who appreciate his stand-up comedy style.
May 24, 2011
I read this book because to me Charlie’s story is just as interesting as his brother Eddie’s. This was a guy who seemed really be from the streets and led a hard knock life. He also made several funny appearances on the Howard Stern Show, telling his tales of his background. Even though he tells some humorous tales here and there, the book as a memoir is average. He has lived an interesting life, but nothing I found extraordinary.
As a screenwriter/filmmaker myself, I found the most interesting facets of the book were about his scriptwriting. I had no idea that he sold so many scripts to Hollywood even though only few got made into films (which is the norm in Hollywood for most scripts).
He spends a lot, maybe too much time, recounting his venture into stand up comedy which I know I should expect from a book called ‘The Making of a Stand-Up Guy’, but I didn’t expect so much detail. Maybe I’m not a “stand-up guy” because I didn’t’ require a lot of details about the clubs he first played. He did have several laugh out loud humorous tales, but the book to me is something you read in high school when you HAVE to do a book report on someone.
As a screenwriter/filmmaker myself, I found the most interesting facets of the book were about his scriptwriting. I had no idea that he sold so many scripts to Hollywood even though only few got made into films (which is the norm in Hollywood for most scripts).
He spends a lot, maybe too much time, recounting his venture into stand up comedy which I know I should expect from a book called ‘The Making of a Stand-Up Guy’, but I didn’t expect so much detail. Maybe I’m not a “stand-up guy” because I didn’t’ require a lot of details about the clubs he first played. He did have several laugh out loud humorous tales, but the book to me is something you read in high school when you HAVE to do a book report on someone.
August 9, 2016
Maybe like most people, I recognize Charlie Murphy from the occasional rerun or a YouTube search of Rick James. Boy I was really leaving a ton out of who he really is, starting out in comedy on a dare, writing screenplays and establishing himself as a full blown actor. Charlie paints a very broad picture of growing up in New York, having a loving family with good direction and completely ignoring it all so he could figure it out on his own.
Starting with the bet that got him started on the road to being a stand up comedian, and telling how he almost stopped before he got "good", he tells his story.
Full of funny anecdotes and behind the scenes stories of what it was like as the brother of a famous comedian, along with what he went through to get out his own way out of his brothers spotlight. Charlie tells a great story, and boy does he have some to tell. Funny, enlightening and full of good advice on how to find your way even when you seem not to sure where you are supposed to be going.
Thank you Charlie and please keep us laughing.
Starting with the bet that got him started on the road to being a stand up comedian, and telling how he almost stopped before he got "good", he tells his story.
Full of funny anecdotes and behind the scenes stories of what it was like as the brother of a famous comedian, along with what he went through to get out his own way out of his brothers spotlight. Charlie tells a great story, and boy does he have some to tell. Funny, enlightening and full of good advice on how to find your way even when you seem not to sure where you are supposed to be going.
Thank you Charlie and please keep us laughing.
December 19, 2009
(...long sigh...)Ok, I just finished this book. I don't read much non-fiction but I saw Charlie Murphy on the cover and was like "Hells yeah, this is going to be balls to the walls funny stories about Rick James and Prince and s***" I didn't say this out loud but I swear that I thought it.
Boy was I wrong. There was some talk about Rick James but mostly about the brainstorming of the Chappelle's Show skit. I expected some name dropping but this was pretty ridiculous. I think every black entertainer/celebrity in the past 30 years or so was mentioned. I don't know how this got into the humor section in the first place really, it's not very funny except for the few things mentioned about Eddie Murphy.
I do like Charlie Murphy and I think he is very funny. Also I'm just some jack@55 that manages a book store but if you're going to write another book Mr.Murphy please stick to the True Hollywood Stories that helped you get where you are now.
Boy was I wrong. There was some talk about Rick James but mostly about the brainstorming of the Chappelle's Show skit. I expected some name dropping but this was pretty ridiculous. I think every black entertainer/celebrity in the past 30 years or so was mentioned. I don't know how this got into the humor section in the first place really, it's not very funny except for the few things mentioned about Eddie Murphy.
I do like Charlie Murphy and I think he is very funny. Also I'm just some jack@55 that manages a book store but if you're going to write another book Mr.Murphy please stick to the True Hollywood Stories that helped you get where you are now.
December 4, 2021
I don't wish to give spoilers, but this book is about the journey of Charlie Murphy.
If you want only the Rick James stuff, this book has WAY more. A lot of dramatic stuff that happened earlier in his life. How the events happened make it interesting.
As his brother got big Eddie, he was part of entourage in the 80's & things started going eventually upward. There are lots funny events you have to read to appreciate. I crushed this book in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down, it's only 230 pages.
Read it, you'll like it. I'm sure you know the 'Chapelle's Show' True Hollywood Stories Prince/Rick James skits. I had Charlie's voice in my head telling the story. It made the book quite good with Darkness as Rick James said being the narrative voice of the book.
If you want only the Rick James stuff, this book has WAY more. A lot of dramatic stuff that happened earlier in his life. How the events happened make it interesting.
As his brother got big Eddie, he was part of entourage in the 80's & things started going eventually upward. There are lots funny events you have to read to appreciate. I crushed this book in 24 hours. I couldn't put it down, it's only 230 pages.
Read it, you'll like it. I'm sure you know the 'Chapelle's Show' True Hollywood Stories Prince/Rick James skits. I had Charlie's voice in my head telling the story. It made the book quite good with Darkness as Rick James said being the narrative voice of the book.
March 26, 2010
Laughed out loud! Quick read
Read
May 17, 2010i don't know much of anything about charlie murphy. i'm gonna see if he is funny list...eddie.
October 28, 2010
Not only funny, it is inspiring.
January 13, 2014
Not the book I read. I read Standup Guy by Stuart Woods
September 11, 2014
I really enjoyed reading this. Charlie had me laughing out loud, but then there are times when you wonder how he was able to make it out on top. Great read!
April 25, 2017
Fast fun read about stand up and growing up Murphy by the late great guy who looked a lot like brother Eddie.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews