Eddie Murphy on reviving Axel Foley, fatherhood and what a return to the stage might look like

Actor and comedian Eddie Murphy always knew he would become famous. He was so confident of his future success that he told his mother as a child that one day his name would be in the spotlight.

“I knew I was going to be famous,” he told “CBS Mornings” co-host Gayle King. “When I became famous, it was like, ‘See, I told you so.'”

To say Murphy is famous might be an understatement. He is an icon with four decades of blockbuster films to his name. His road to fame began with his role as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop, which remained at number one for 14 weeks in 1984. The film’s worldwide success helped establish him as a leading man and marked a significant moment in Hollywood for black actors.

Axel Foley back in action

Murphy will reprise his famous role in the upcoming “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.”

Looking back on the experience, he described it as surreal, especially reuniting with the original cast after 42 years. However, the physical demands of the role proved more challenging for him at age 63.

“I no longer run and jump with the same ease and grace as I did at 21,” he said.

To meet the physical demands, Murphy filmed many scenes behind the wheel.

“It’s like I don’t have to do as much because I’m just sitting or driving,” he said.

In this latest installment, Axel Foley is now a father, which adds a new facet to the character. Murphy said there is a poignant moment in the film when Foley’s daughter confronts him about their strained relationship.

“This will affect a lot of people who see the film,” he said.

Murphy, a father of 10, said he has a close relationship with all of his children, who range in age from 5 to 34. He said he has always been the same type of father – a laid-back, cool dad who isn’t strict about discipline but doesn’t let his kids get away with too much. He has always been there for important events like school plays. His younger children, he said, are wilder and louder than his older children.

Connection with Martin Lawrence

Murphy’s family life also includes a unique connection with fellow comedian Martin Lawrence, as Murphy’s son Eric is dating Lawrence’s daughter Jasmin. Murphy welcomes the relationship and said it has sparked lighthearted speculation about their future grandchildren.

“I’m expecting a child. If they ever get married and have a child, I expect the child will be funny,” he said.

Aside from acting, Murphy has a passion for music. He became known for his hit song “Party All the Time,” and continues to write and record music, although he has chosen to keep most of it private. He hinted that his music may continue to be released long after his death.

“Fifty years later, when we release it posthumously, people can listen to it and say, ‘Wow, we didn’t even know Eddie Murphy,'” he said.

Return to stand-up comedy?

When asked if he would return to stand-up comedy, Murphy said he had mixed feelings about the number of comedians today and wondered how he could make a name for himself.

However, when he does a show, he envisions one that combines comedy, music and storytelling.

“I see this as more than just stand-up comedy,” he said.