Eddie Murphy opened up about the early deaths of major celebrities like Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson, and Prince, and how they served as cautionary tales for him. In an interview with The New York Times, Murphy discussed his aversion to drugs, his early fame, and the challenges faced by Black artists in the entertainment industry. He also addressed a past feud with David Spade, acknowledging the hurt he felt over a joke made by the comedian on Saturday Night Live. Despite this, Murphy has since reconciled with Spade and SNL, highlighting the personal growth and forgiveness he has experienced throughout his career. Murphy also reflected on his impact on the comedy world, noting how he paved the way for comedians like Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle, Chris Rock, and Chris Tucker to become leading figures in the industry. Through his trailblazing career, Murphy broke barriers for Black actors and comedians, transforming the perception of what roles they could play in Hollywood.