Discover where to stream Eddie Murphy’s most beloved films and learn about the three major roles he regrets passing up.
The American comedian and actor made his big Hollywood entrance in 1982 with the role of the witty convict Reggie Hammond in 48 Hrs.
Since then, Murphy has taken on some of the most memorable characters in film history, such as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop and the beloved Donkey in the Shrek series.
However, even stars as successful as Murphy carry some regrets regarding their career choices.
Despite his phenomenal achievements, Murphy has admitted to declining three significant roles that he now wishes he had accepted.
During a conversation with the Associated Press, the 64-year-old actor disclosed the films he turned down: the 1984 classic Ghostbusters, the 1988 hit Rush Hour, and the 1988 fantasy comedy Who Framed Roger Rabbit.
“Those are my big three ‘wish I would have done’ movies,” Murphy stated, noting that they all became “huge, giant hits.”
He further explained that he had to choose between participating in Ghostbusters and Beverly Hills Cop, but concluded that “it worked out cool.”
According to writer Dan Aykroyd, the character of Winston Zeddemore, the fourth member of the Ghostbusters, was initially designed with Murphy in mind.
Nevertheless, director Ivan Reitman disputes these claims, and eventually, Ernie Hudson of Boston Blue fame took on the role.