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Eddie Murphy, worth $200 million, makes it clear: He worked as a shoe salesman before he became famous

Eddie Murphy, worth 0 million, makes it clear: He worked as a shoe salesman before he became famous

Eddie Murphy has the remarkable ability to light up the room with his charisma and humor, and he did so again during his appearance at The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon, four years ago. So, by recalling his famous interview where he told some of his exquisite stories and addressed some rumors about him, let’s delve into Murphy’s early career.

Eddie Murphy in “Dolemite Is My Name”
Eddie Murphy in Dolemit is my name | Davis Entertainment, Netflix

Eddie Murphy maintained his infectious energy and charm throughout the interview, taking his viewers on a journey through his storied career, offering both laughs and insight. In one particularly insightful moment, while addressing rumors about himself, Murphy set the record straight about his time as a shoe salesman before landing SNL.

Eddie Murphy clarified the facts about his early career

Similar to his acclaimed performances in films, when Eddie Murphy appeared The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon In December 2019, the legendary actor wowed the room with his humor and enigmatic nature. While speaking to the host and sharing his fascinating stories from his coveted career, Murphy soon began to separate facts from rumors by addressing speculations about his life and career.

During the interview, Eddie Murphy was asked about his early career, before landing SNL and the actor, who turned to comedy, mentioned that he worked as a shoe salesman on Long Island. As he began a conversation with Jimmy Fallon, Murphy took the opportunity to clear up the rumor about his career when the host asked if he had been fired from his job. Murphy cleared up a common misconception about his career and gave some insight into his career choice.

Eddie Murphy in Coming to America 2
Murphy in a still from Coming to America 2 | Paramount Pictures, Eddie Murphy Productions

Were you fired from your job as a shoe salesman shortly before you landed on SNL? asked Fallon.

Oh, I didn’t get fired, I quit the job. I worked at Chandler’s Shoes at the mall on Long Island. And I quit. Murphy clarified.

You stopped? Well, all of you at Chandler’s Shoes missed out. And thank you for this gift, because Eddie Murphy is with us now and we are so happy. Fallon was excited.

Eddie Murphy set the record straight by telling the story of his early career, clarifying that he had not been fired, but instead made a brave decision to quit his job and pursue his comedy dream. He revealed that his departure from Chandler’s Shoes was a matter of personal choice and not a resignation, and Murphy insisted on quitting his job to pursue his comedy dream.

Crucial decisions that shaped Eddie Murphy’s legendary career

Although it is widely claimed that he was fired, Eddie Murphy recounted his experience at Chandler’s Shoes, explaining that he quit the job before he became famous in Hollywood. Perhaps Murphy, driven by a strong passion for comedy and a desire to succeed in the entertainment industry, eventually led to SNL in 1980.

Eddie Murphy then appeared in the sketch comedy show and became a regular cast member from 1980 to 1984, which eventually led him to Hollywood. According to IMDb, the actor made his feature film debut in 1982 in 48 hours alongside Nick Nolte and since then Murphy has never had to look back.

Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop
Eddie Murphy as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop Paramount Pictures

So it seems that it wasn’t such a bad idea for $200 million rich Eddie Murphy (via Celebirty Net Worth) to quit his job as a shoe salesman to pursue comedy. With a desire to follow his passion, the actor’s sheer talent and hard work brought him one great opportunity after another. Murphy has now become a global icon after his legendary role as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop Franchise.