Was Richard Pryor the major influence for Eddie Murphy?

[NSFW: Eddie Murphy Raw - Taking A Shit] Apparently, Eddie has also admitted the influential respect for Pryor during his appearance on James Lipton’s Inside the Actor’s Studio. Indeed, Richard Pryor was a major influence on Eddie Murphy and probably almost all comedians to follow. read more

Pryor’s taboo-smashing stand-up inspired Murphy, who recently said, ”When I saw Richard, I realized what I was.” Elvis Presley Murphy not only did perfect impressions of the King but, in many ways, used him as his model for what a star could be. read more

Murphy is known for citing Pryor as a major comedic influence (having also impersonated the veteran comedian in his early years), and went on to star alongside Pryor in 1989's Harlem Nights. Murphy almost starred in another biopic about Pryor (to be directed by Bill Condon), until the project was eventually shelved. read more