Comedian Charlie Murphy , brother of Eddie Murphy, dead at 57

April 13, 2017
| Report Focus News

Chance The Rapper, Snoop Dogg and more have paid tribute too.

Comedian Charlie Murphy has passed away at 57, reports the Associated Press.

| Report Focus News

Charlie’s Murphy’s manager confirmed the comedian and actor died from leukaemia in a hospital in New York City yesterday (April 12). He was 57 years old, and had reportedly been undergoing chemotherapy.

Younger brother Eddie, 56, has since released a statement on behalf of the Murphy family. “Our hearts are heavy with the loss today of our son, brother, father, uncle and friend Charlie. Charlie filled our family with love and laughter and there won’t be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed,” he said in the statement to Variety.

“Thank you for the outpouring of condolences and prayers. We respectfully ask for privacy during this time of great loss for all of us.”

Murphy made his feature film debut in “Harlem Nights” with his brother Eddie in 1989 and had various roles in films like “Night at the Museum” and several TV shows. He also had his own comedy special called “Charlie Murphy: I Will Not Apologize,” which was released in 2010. He most recently acted as Marshal Williams in the Starz show “Power.”

Murphy was perhaps best known for his skits involving a fictionalized Rick James character on “Chappelle’s Show.” He often worked closely with his brother, co-writing and acting in Eddie’s projects.

He is survived by their three children. Murphy’s wife Tisha Taylor Murphy also died after battling cancer in 2009.