During the new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, Eddie Murphy recounts a surprising situation that occurred at his 21st birthday party, revealing a candid story that highlights an unusual moment in his early career. The Eddie Murphy 21st birthday story takes place at the renowned Studio 54 nightclub in New York, where he was approached by Hollywood actor Yul Brynner and Brynner’s wife.
Memorable Proposal from Yul Brynner and His Wife
On the night of his 21st birthday, Murphy was celebrating at Studio 54 when he encountered Yul Brynner, the iconic actor best known for his role in The King and I, accompanied by his wife. In the documentary, Eddie Murphy states,
Yul Brynner, ‘Ten Commandments,’ he was with his wife and he was like, ‘How would you like to go back to my apartment with my wife and I and party?’ And I was like, ‘Nah, I’m cool!’
— Eddie Murphy, comedian. Initially dismissing the proposal, Murphy reflects that he didn’t fully understand the intent behind the invite until years later.
Murphy explains that as he matured, he gained a different perspective on the encounter, especially recalling Brynner’s wife’s demeanor during the exchange. He continued,
And I realized as I got older, his wife was smiling. Did he want me to go f**k his wife?
— Eddie Murphy, comedian. The story is notable not only for Murphy’s candidness but also for its depiction of the peculiar situations sometimes faced by young stars in Hollywood.
Reflecting on What Might Have Been
Murphy brings humor to the story as he jokes about how differently things could have turned out had he agreed to join the couple. He remarks,
The story would [have] ended better.
— Eddie Murphy, comedian, and adds,
You know, ‘Yeah, I went back to Yul Brynner’s and f***ed his wife, and he was watching me going, ‘Et cetera, et cetera, et cetera!’
— Eddie Murphy, comedian. This anecdote allows viewers to see another side of Murphy, blending comedic storytelling with reflection on the strange and unexpected moments in his career.
The Documentary’s Broader Scope
Being Eddie is now streaming on Netflix, offering not just the Eddie Murphy 21st birthday story but also a broader exploration of Murphy’s journey in entertainment and his personal experiences. The film provides a closer look at the variety of moments—some humorous, some profound—that have defined the comedian’s storied career. Yul Brynner, whose interaction with Murphy is at the center of this particular story, was a celebrated actor until his passing in 1985 following a fight with lung cancer.
As audiences watch Being Eddie, this and other revelations contribute to a deeper understanding of Murphy’s unique path in Hollywood, while also highlighting the colorful and sometimes unpredictable nature of show business. The Netflix documentary is expected to continue generating discussions as more viewers learn about these lesser-known tales from Murphy’s life.
