Eddie Murphy praised by Mike Myers' Shrek, Stevie Wonder at AFI award
Eddie Murphy praised by Mike Myers' Shrek, Stevie Wonder at AFI award
Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYSun, April 19, 2026 at 1:17 PM UTC
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LOS ANGELES − Eddie Murphy proved to be the undisputed king of comedy as the latest recipient of the American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award on Saturday, April 18.
An all-star comedy slate of Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, "Coming to America" costar Arsenio Hall, "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson and Bill Burr paid respects to Murphy, 65, at the Dolby Theatre honors. Mike Myers appeared in green "Shrek" face makeup and ears to honor Murphy, the famed voice of the beloved Donkey in the animated movies.
Jennifer Hudson belted songs from "Dreamgirls," the 2006 musical which featured Murphy in an Oscar-nominated performance.
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Eddie Murphy shows off his AFI Life Achievement Award at Dolby Theatre in LA on April 18, 2026.
Even Stevie Wonder, famously imitated by Murphy in his "SNL" days, made a surprise appearance to share his love for his longtime friend.
"I wish you all could feel what I'm feeling and see what I'm seeing," Murphy said from the podium during his acceptance speech. "I'd like to thank everybody for giving me this night that I'll remember forever and ever. Stevie (Wonder) came, Jennifer (Hudson) turned out. Everybody said such nice things about me."
It was a fitting tribute to the groundbreaking star of "Beverly Hills Cop," "Boomerang," "Shrek," "48 Hrs.," "The Nutty Professor" and "Coming to America," who proved dramatic range in films like "Dreamgirls" and "Dolemite Is My Name.""I feel like I've distinguished myself as a performer," Murphy said in an interview that aired throughout the evening. "Put my body of work against whoever. They'll laugh more at my stuff."
Murphy, who rose to fame on "SNL" from 1980 to 1984 with characters like Buckwheat and Gumby, listened to the tributes while seated next to his wife, Paige Butcher, and many of his 10 children.
"All of your children are here, Eddie," Rock said. "You've got like 20 kids. But you also have your comedian children: Tracy Morgan, Kevin Hart, Dave Chappelle. There is no us without you. OK?"
Mike Myers turned out in "Shrek" makeup for the AFI tribute to Eddie Murphy.Mike Myers dressed up as Shrek to honor Eddie Murphy
Myers showered praise on Murphy, who voices Donkey in four hit films (with a new one expected in 2027).
"None of the 'Shrek' success could have happened without Eddie Murphy; his character Donkey is a masterpiece," said Myers. "As is every character that Eddie has created. ... It is an absolute honor to be able to tell my kids that I got to work with Eddie Murphy."
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Hart called Murphy a "brother, a mentor, an inspiration and, dammit, you're an idol."
Stevie Wonder praised Eddie Murphy for having "the power and courage" to be funny at his AFI tribute.Stevie Wonder on Eddie Murphy: 'That is power'
Wonder was a surprise guest, greeted with wild applause from the audience.
"Eddie and I found each other because he would imitate me on 'Saturday Night Live,' " said Wonder. "He made fun of a blind man. And he made me and the world laugh."
Wonder said that the two have become "lifetime friends."
"Eddie has shown me and us the power and courage of being funny," said Wonder. "It's not easy to make people smile. Eddie has a way of getting into our heads and hearts for a belly laugh that eases pain, builds a bridge. That is power."
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Eddie Murphy's friends and family helped celebrate the debut of Netflix's "Being Eddie" during the premiere on Nov. 12, 2025, in Los Angeles. The new documentary film on the comedy legend's life is available to stream on Netflix.
Filmmaker Spike Lee missed a precious New York Knicks NBA playoff game to present Murphy with the AFI honor.
"I came out for you," Lee said. "On every step of this journey, Eddie has been true to himself, putting his family first. He is a great artist, not just a comedian."
Murphy reflected on his many blessings.
"I just had my first grandson, and my third granddaughter, and I just turned 65," said Murphy. "I feel like it's raining blessings on me this month, and to get this award and still look like myself. Because sometimes they wait until you're really old."
How to watch Eddie Murphy's AFI Achievement ceremony on Netflix
The AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony honoring Eddie Murphy will stream May 31 on Netflix. Recent past recipients include Francis Ford Coppola, Nicole Kidman, Julie Andrews and Denzel Washington.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Eddie Murphy AFI Life Award stars Chris Rock, Mike Myers as Shrek
Source: “AOL Entertainment”
