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This Day in Black History: April 3, 1961

Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy was born on April 3, 1961.

Eddie Murphyborn on April 3, 1961, has proven to be one funny man since the Brooklyn native came on the scene as part of the Saturday Night Live cast in 1980. 
The actor-comedian made America laugh for several years playing characters like Tyrone Green and a grown-up version of childhood favorite Gumby. In the '80s, he starred in his own stand-up comedy features Raw and Delirious. Murphy eventually made his foray onto the big screen with acts in 48 HoursBeverly Hills Cop and The Golden Child. His stand-up comedy also garnered praise and his Eddie Murphy Comedian won him a 1984 Grammy for Best Comedy Album of the Year.

Another memorable film was on his hands when he starred as Prince Akeem in 1988's Coming to America alongside fellow comedian Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones. More recent spots include the title roles in Dr. Dolittle, various parts in The Nutty Professor series, and serving as the voice of the beloved Donkey in Shrek.

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(Photo: Evan Agostini/PictureGroup)

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