Comedian Charlie Murphy has died, aged 57.
Charlie, the brother of Hollywood actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, passed away after a long battle with leukemia.
Confirming the news to TMZ, Murphy’s manager said the Charlie died in hospital in New York City this morning (April 12th).
Born in Brooklyn, New York, to parents Lillian and Charles Murphy, Charlie found fame in the late 1980’s early 90’s as an actor, comedian, voice artist and writer.
After securing minor roles in films such as Harlem Nights, Mo’ Better Blues and Jungle Fever, Charlie’s first major movie role came in the 1993’s CB4.
Playing the role of Gusto, a local mob boss and nightclub owner, Murphy starred alongside Chris Rock and Allen Payne.
CB4 went on to gross $36 million dollars at the US box office.
But it was in the comedy sketch show “Chapelle’s Show” were Charlie’s star really began to rise.
The show, starring Dave Chapelle, Murphy and Donnell Rawlings, premiered on Comedy Central in 2003 and ran for three seasons.
Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories
Regarded by many as Murphy’s most popular sketch on the show, “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories”, saw Charlie retell stories of his encounters with celebrities in the 1980s.
The most popular skit being “The Rick James Story”. Check out a clip from the sketch below:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XHeeLsNAjt4
Celebrities and fans of the star have taken to social media to pay their respects to the star.
We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP. pic.twitter.com/AAwItp5AJC
— Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 12, 2017
Rest In Peace Charlie Murphy ??
— Abel Tesfaye (@theweeknd) April 12, 2017
Charlie Murphy was a great man. God bless, we already miss you.
— Chance The Rapper (@chancetherapper) April 12, 2017
https://twitter.com/BENBALLER/status/852258997927256066
Take a moment and let those words sink in ?thank you Charlie Murphy, you will forever be missed. Rest in paradise….?? pic.twitter.com/gFvMTRtEdk
— LA LA (@lala) April 12, 2017
I hope Charlie Murphy and Prince are playing hoops and eating pancakes pic.twitter.com/WR2qt0RUpI
— Jawn Gonzalez (@JohnGonzalez) April 12, 2017
Murphy is survived by three children.
We here at CelebMix send our sincere condolences to the Murphy family.
Let us know your favourite memories of Charlie Murphy over on Twitter @CelebMix