Hollywood veteran Eddie Murphy has left fans stunned with a revelation about his 21st birthday that nobody anticipated. The comedy legend shared an unexpected encounter with late Hollywood icon Yul Brynner in his new Netflix documentary Being Eddie.
The Studio 54 Birthday Shock
According to Murphy, now 64, the surprising incident occurred during his milestone 21st birthday celebration at the legendary Studio 54 nightclub. The Beverly Hills Cop star recalled how Brynner, accompanied by a woman he introduced as his wife, made him an unusual proposition.
"My 21st birthday party, I had it at Studio 54," Murphy remembered. "Yul Brynner was with his wife and he was like, 'How would you like to come back to my apartment with my wife and I and party?' And I was like, 'Nah, I'm cool!'"
Murphy joked that he didn't fully understand the situation at the time, especially with the woman smiling at him throughout the exchange. "Did he want me to go and sleep with his wife?" he wondered aloud with laughter.
Family Life and Fatherhood Transformation
The documentary also showcases a more personal side of the comedian as he discusses his journey as a father to ten children. Murphy revealed that becoming a parent completely changed his perspective on life.
"My kids are the center of everything," he shared emotionally. "Before kids it's just about you. Once you have children, it's all about them."
Murphy's blended family includes:
- Eric, Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, Bella, and Christian
- Angel, who now lives as a trans man
- His two youngest children with wife Paige Butcher
Healing Relationships and Moving Forward
The documentary touches on Murphy's complicated relationship with singer Mel B, mother of his child Angel. Despite their turbulent past, which included Murphy publicly questioning paternity in 2006, both have matured and rebuilt their co-parenting relationship.
Mel B praised Murphy's growth as a father, describing him as a "proper father" to all ten of his children. She revealed that Murphy and Angel now enjoy quality time together, including going on holidays.
In her memoir, Mel B called Murphy the love of her life, describing their bond as deeper than people realized. She wrote about their intimate connection, from tattooing each other's signatures to sharing childhood stories.
"His love was pure," she expressed. "He showed me what true love feels like."
Murphy reflected that the story with Brynner would have become outrageous Hollywood folklore if he had accepted the invitation. Brynner passed away three years later in 1985. Historical records show he wasn't married in 1982, leaving the identity of the woman with him that night unclear.
