Kevin Bacon, while not typically counted among Hollywood’s greatest stars, has worked alongside some of the biggest names in the industry over the past five decades. He recently named Eddie Murphy as his greatest co-star, a testament to Murphy’s enduring influence and legendary status in film history. This revelation came as Bacon reunited with Murphy in the Netflix film Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, where Bacon played a villain opposite Murphy.
An Illustrious Career Among Hollywood Giants
Bacon’s film journey began with John Belushi in Animal House, setting the stage for decades of work with some of cinema’s most notable figures. Though rarely the lead actor, Bacon shared screen time with legends like Jack Nicholson, Tom Cruise, John Candy, Julia Roberts, Kevin Costner, Tom Hanks, Brad Pitt, Jeff Bridges, and Johnny Depp. His collaborations also include working under Clint Eastwood’s direction in Mystic River.
This extensive experience gave Bacon a unique vantage point from which to evaluate his peers and choose the co-star he admired most, underscoring his deep appreciation for the craft and impact of his fellow actors.
The Significance of Working with Eddie Murphy
Bacon expressed particular excitement about finally sharing the screen with Eddie Murphy after years of admiring him from a distance. Reflecting on their recent collaboration, Bacon told People,
“It’s a bucket list thing to work with him. He is one of our greatest movie stars ever. Our paths never crossed in the ’80s. We never worked together. I don’t remember even having met him, I’m sure we probably did, but I don’t remember.”
Though Murphy’s more recent career moves include legacy sequels and broad comedies that may not attract critical acclaim, his pioneering role in shaping the buddy cop genre and breaking barriers for Black actors is undisputed. Murphy’s success opened doors that many others have since followed.
Murphy’s Enduring Influence on Hollywood
Eddie Murphy stands as a figurehead who arguably helped redefine Hollywood’s blockbuster landscape, especially for Black performers. His landmark successes with films like Coming to America and Trading Places were groundbreaking, establishing a template for international box office hits led by Black stars.
Despite admitting to having taken on less distinguished roles in recent years, Murphy’s legacy remains profound. Bacon acknowledged that Murphy’s influence and trailblazing career overshadow any downturn in his recent film choices, highlighting the lasting significance of his achievements.
What This Recognition Means for Bacon and the Industry
For Bacon, finally working with Murphy was more than just a professional milestone—it was crossing an important item off his personal bucket list. While Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F had a brief cultural impact typical of many Netflix original films, the collaboration symbolized a meeting of two generations of talent in Hollywood.
This moment captures not only Bacon’s respect for Murphy’s career but also the broader evolution of the industry, where groundbreaking performers have long-lasting effects that resonate across decades. It also underscores the value of veteran actors recognizing each other’s contributions beyond box office numbers or awards.
