Kaylah Walton
Eddie Murphy rose to fame during his time on Saturday Night Live, where he crossed paths with icons like legendary comedian John Belushi and the exceptional actor, Robin Williams.
Friendship Among Eddie Murphy, Robin Williams, and John Belushi
During The Interview podcast by the New York Times, Eddie Murphy reminisced about his time on SNL and how two comedy greats once offered him cocaine in the 1980s.
At the young age of 19, Murphy found himself in a bar with John Belushi and Robin Williams who indulged in cocaine, while he politely declined, saying, “No, I’m cool.”
Reflecting on the incident, he mentioned that his lack of interest wasn’t a moral stance but rather a lack of curiosity. Murphy believed it was a stroke of luck that he didn’t feel the urge to partake in such activities, stating, “God was looking over me in that moment.”
Considering the challenges of being a young Black artist thrust into fame, Murphy explained why he avoided jeopardizing his success, recognizing the potential pitfalls that awaited him. The precarious nature of fame, according to him, resembled navigating a minefield where one misstep could undo everything.
He shared insights into the repercussions of early fame, cautioning against the allure of excess and the dangers of succumbing to destructive behaviors that could lead to downfall.
Tragically, John Belushi succumbed to a drug overdose at 33 in 1982, while Robin Williams battled severe depression throughout his life, eventually taking his own life in 2014.
Eddie Murphy disclosed his personal stance on substance use, highlighting his abstinence from alcohol and limited experience with drugs, confiding, “The most I’ve tried is marijuana.”
