Eddie Murphy inducted into NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame
LOS ANGELES » Eddie Murphy was inducted into the NAACP Image Awards Hall of Fame at the organization’s show that highlighted works by entertainers and athletes of color.
After Murphy accepted his induction award Saturday night, the actor-comedian said he was “very moved” by the honor. He was presented the award by his longtime friend and “Coming 2 America” costar Arsenio Hall.
“I’ve been making movies for 40 years now ... 40 years,” Murphy said. “This is the perfect thing to commemorate that and be brought into the hall of fame. Thank you very much. I’m very moved.”
The hall of fame inductions are bestowed on individuals who are viewed as pioneers in their fields and whose influence shaped the “profession for generations to come.”
Previous inductees include Oprah Winfrey, Stevie Wonder, Spike Lee, Ray Charles and Sidney Poitier.
The most recent honorees to be inducted were Cheryl Boone Isaacs and Paris Barclay in 2014.
Murphy began his career as a stand-up comic while as a teenager and eventually joined the cast of “Saturday Night Live.”
He starred in the box office hit “48 Hours” and made his mark in a slew of films such as “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Coming to America,” “The Nutty Professor,” “Dr. Dolittle” and “Dolemite Is My Name.” His latest film “Coming 2 America” was released on Amazon this month.
The late Chadwick Boseman won best actor in a motion picture for his role in “Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom.”
The actor, who also starred in the blockbuster Marvel film “Black Panther,” died at 43 last year after he privately battled colon cancer.
LeBron James received the President’s Award for his public service achievements.