Eddie Murphy is a freak of nature. Seriously. If you saw him walking down the street today, you probably wouldn't believe the calendar. We’ve been watching him since the early eighties, yet the man seems to have found a literal fountain of youth somewhere in Beverly Hills.
So, let's get the big question out of the way immediately. How old is Eddie Murphy? Right now, in early 2026, Eddie Murphy is 64 years old. He was born on April 3, 1961.
Think about that for a second.
When he was playing Axel Foley for the first time, he was just a kid. He was 23. Now, over four decades later, he’s still headlining major blockbusters and looks—honestly—like he could still pass for a guy in his late 40s. It’s kinda wild. While most of us are struggling with back pain and graying hair by the time we hit our fifties, Murphy is gearing up for a massive slate of projects that would tire out a 30-year-old.
The Timeline of a Legend: From SNL to 2026
To understand why people are so obsessed with his age, you have to look at the sheer longevity. Most comedy stars have a "burn rate." They’re hot for five years, maybe ten, and then they fade into the background or start doing weird experimental indie films that nobody watches.
Eddie didn't do that.
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- The SNL Years (1980–1984): He joined Saturday Night Live at 19. Nineteen! He basically saved the show from being canceled.
- The Movie Star Era (1982–1990): 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Beverly Hills Cop, and Coming to America. This was peak Eddie. He was the biggest star on the planet.
- The Family Man / Voice Era (1996–2010): The Nutty Professor, Dr. Dolittle, and of course, Shrek. He became a billionaire’s favorite voice actor as Donkey.
- The Renaissance (2019–Present): Dolemite Is My Name proved he still had the "fastball."
It's 2026, and he isn't slowing down. He’s 64, but his schedule looks like a rookie's. He’s got Shrek 5 coming out later this year (December 2026, specifically), and a standalone Donkey movie is reportedly in the works. Plus, there’s that Pink Panther reboot where he’s taking on the Inspector Clouseau role.
How Old Is Eddie Murphy Compared to His "Prime"?
People often ask about his age because they remember him as the energetic, leather-suit-wearing stand-up from Delirious. That special filmed in 1983. He was 22.
If you compare the Eddie Murphy of today to the Eddie Murphy of Raw (1987), the differences are surprisingly minimal. Sure, the mustache is a bit more groomed, and the energy is more "distinguished elder statesman of comedy" than "wild kid from Brooklyn," but the face? It hasn't changed much.
Some people attribute it to "Black don't crack," which is a fair point. Others point to his famously clean lifestyle. Murphy has been vocal over the years about not being a big drinker or drug user, which is a rarity for someone who lived through the drug-fueled Hollywood of the 1980s. That kind of discipline pays off when you hit your sixties.
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Murphy has ten children. Yes, ten.
His oldest, Eric, is in his mid-30s. His youngest, Max, was born in late 2018. Having a toddler at home when you’re nearly 60 probably keeps you on your toes. Or it makes you very tired. For Eddie, it seems to be the former. He’s often spotted with his fiancée, Paige Butcher, and they look like the quintessential Hollywood power couple.
There’s something about being surrounded by different generations that keeps a person relevant. He isn't some grumpy old man shouting at clouds; he’s a guy who is deeply connected to modern culture through his kids.
What's Next for the 64-Year-Old Icon?
If you think 64 is the age for retirement, you don't know Eddie.
The industry is currently buzzing about his upcoming projects. Beyond the Shrek universe, there is a George Clinton biopic in the works directed by Bill Condon. Playing the leader of Parliament-Funkadelic is going to require a ton of charisma and energy.
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Then there’s Blue Falcon, an action-comedy he’s doing with Sony. The plot involves a retired superspy, which is a perfect role for a man of his current age and stature. It acknowledges that he’s an "older" guy but lets him keep that action-hero edge he perfected in the eighties.
We also can't ignore the Netflix deal. In 2019, they reportedly paid him $70 million for a series of comedy specials. While we’re still waiting for the big stand-up return, the anticipation is at an all-time high.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Creators
Knowing how old is Eddie Murphy is one thing, but there are actually some "life lessons" we can pull from his 45-year career:
- Longevity requires discipline: Staying at the top of your game for 40+ years isn't luck. It’s about choosing your projects carefully (mostly) and taking care of your health.
- Pivoting is essential: He went from raunchy stand-up to family-friendly voice actor to prestige drama actor (Dreamgirls, Dolemite). He never got stuck in one "age" bracket.
- Ownership matters: Murphy has his own production company and often produces his own work. This gives him the power to stay relevant on his own terms.
He’s 64. He’s a grandfather. He’s a father of ten. He’s a billionaire-level box office draw. And honestly? He’s probably just getting started on his third or fourth "act."
To stay updated on Eddie's upcoming 2026 releases, keep an eye on official studio calendars for Shrek 5 and the Netflix documentary titled Eddie, which is expected to dive deep into his nearly 50-year career. If you’re looking to revisit his journey, starting with Dolemite Is My Name on Netflix is the best way to see how the 64-year-old version of Murphy is still arguably the funniest man in the room.