If you’ve ever watched a red carpet premiere for one of Eddie Murphy’s recent movies—like the 2024 debut of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F or his 2025 Netflix documentary Being Eddie—you might have noticed a small army of stunning, well-dressed people flanking the comedy legend. They aren't just his entourage. They're his kids.
Seriously, it’s a lot.
The question of how many children does Eddie Murphy have usually pops up because the number is just so significantly higher than your average Hollywood star. Most celebrities stop at two or three. Eddie? He’s in a different league entirely. He has 10 children.
Ten.
That’s enough to field a full basketball team with a deep bench. But what’s actually wild isn't just the sheer number; it’s the fact that they all seem to genuinely like each other. In a world of messy celebrity divorces and "bad seeds," Eddie Murphy has managed to keep a blended family of ten kids, born to five different women, completely drama-free.
The Breakdown of the Murphy Dynasty
To understand the scope of the family, you kind of have to look at the timeline. It’s not just a list; it’s a three-decade journey through Eddie’s life and relationships.
The Early Days: Eric and Bria
In 1989, Eddie was at the peak of his Coming to America fame. That year, he became a father twice over. His eldest, Eric Murphy, was born to his then-girlfriend Paulette McNeely. Just months later, his daughter Bria Murphy arrived, born to Nicole Mitchell.
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Eric has mostly stayed out of the tabloids, though he made waves recently for a pretty legendary romantic crossover: he’s married to Jasmin Lawrence. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because she’s the daughter of Martin Lawrence. Yes, Axel Foley’s son married Marcus Burnett’s daughter in 2025. It’s basically the ultimate "Bad Boys" and "Beverly Hills Cop" crossover.
The Mitchell Years
Eddie’s marriage to Nicole Mitchell (which lasted from 1993 to 2006) accounts for the largest "chunk" of the family. Together, they had five children:
- Bria (the artist and actress)
- Myles Mitchell (who made Eddie a grandfather for the first time in 2019)
- Shayne Audra (who recently appeared on the reality show Claim to Fame)
- Zola Ivy
- Bella Zahra (who you might recognize from her role alongside her dad in Coming 2 America)
Honestly, if you see a photo of these five, the genetics are undeniable. They all look like they stepped off a runway.
Christian and the Tamara Hood Chapter
While Eddie was in the early stages of his relationship with Nicole, he also had a son, Christian Murphy, with Tamara Hood in 1990. Christian is one of the more low-key members of the family, though he’s dabbled in acting and is frequently seen at those big family holiday gatherings Eddie loves to host.
The Angel Iris Controversy
You can't talk about Eddie Murphy's children without mentioning Angel Iris Murphy Brown. This was the one time the "drama-free" reputation hit a major speed bump. Angel was born in 2007, right after Eddie’s split from Spice Girl Mel B.
Initially, things were rocky. There was a public paternity dispute that felt very un-Eddie. However, fast forward to 2026, and that bridge is long since mended. Mel B has gone on record calling Eddie a "proper father," and Angel, now 18, is a regular fixture in the Murphy family circle. They even go on vacations together. It’s a pretty cool example of how people can grow up and fix their mistakes for the sake of their kids.
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The New Generation: Izzy and Max
Eddie’s latest chapter involves his wife, Australian model Paige Butcher. They’ve been together since 2012 and finally tied the knot in a private ceremony in Anguilla in 2024.
They have two kids together: Izzy Oona (born in 2016) and Max Charles. Little Max, born in 2018, carries a special name—he was named after Eddie’s late brother, the comedian Charlie Murphy, who passed away in 2017.
Why the Number Matters
When people ask how many children does Eddie Murphy have, they usually want the number. But the why is more interesting. In his 60s, Eddie has shifted his entire perspective on life.
He’s famously said that his career isn't his legacy anymore—his kids are. He told Marc Maron on the WTF podcast that he doesn't have a single "bad seed" in the bunch. No "Hollywood jerks." That’s actually impressive when you consider the resources and fame these kids grew up around.
"I realized that if you put your children first, you never make a bad decision." — Eddie Murphy
He’s basically retired from the "three movies a year" grind. Now, he’d rather watch Seinfeld reruns with Paige and be a dad. He’s also a grandfather now—Myles and his wife Carly welcomed their second daughter, Zuri Liv, in late 2024.
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The "Murphy" Parenting Philosophy
Eddie's advice for other parents? He recently told Pete Davidson that you don't really need advice because you're "wired to do the right thing by your child." It’s a very laid-back, instinct-driven approach.
If you're keeping score at home, here's the quick tally:
- Total Kids: 10
- Sons: 4 (Eric, Christian, Myles, Max)
- Daughters: 6 (Bria, Shayne, Zola, Bella, Angel, Izzy)
- Mothers: 5 (Paulette, Tamara, Nicole, Mel B, Paige)
What to Take Away
The fascination with Eddie's family isn't just about the "10 kids" headline. It's about how a man who was once the biggest, most energetic movie star on the planet decided that the most important thing he could build wasn't a filmography, but a giant, functional, loving family.
If you’re following the Murphy clan, keep an eye on the red carpets. With Bria Murphy expecting her first child in late 2025/early 2026, the family is only getting bigger.
Next Steps for Fans:
If you want to see the family dynamic in action, check out the Netflix documentary Being Eddie. It’s probably the most intimate look you’ll get at how he balances the "Legend" status with being the guy who just wants to sit on the couch and be Dad. You can also follow Shayne or Bria on Instagram—they’re usually the ones posting the "behind the scenes" look at the massive Murphy Christmas photos that break the internet every year.