Eddie Murphy Reveals Surprising Advice from Sidney Poitier About ‘Malcolm X’ Role
Let’s dive into the delightful drama of Hollywood’s past, shall we? Eddie Murphy recently spilled some tea about a pivotal moment in his career—one where Sidney Poitier, the granddaddy of Black cinema, offered him a piece of advice that left him both stunned and a tad perplexed. In the Apple TV+ documentary “Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood,” Murphy recounted how Poitier, upon hearing Murphy’s interest in portraying Alex Haley in the 1992 film “Malcolm X,” delivered the kind of wisdom that only a legend could muster. “You are not Denzel [Washington], and you are not Morgan [Freeman]. You are a breath of fresh air, and don’t f*** with that!” Poitier advised, which is both a compliment and a cautionary tale wrapped in one.
Murphy, ever the comedian, admitted he was unsure whether to feel insulted or flattered, remarking, “I was like, ‘What?’” But let’s unpack this gem of a moment. At the time, the film was in the capable hands of Norman Jewison, who had previously directed Poitier in “In the Heat of the Night,” before Spike Lee took over and made cinematic history with Denzel’s performance. While Murphy was in talks to portray a character linked to Malcolm X’s narrative, Poitier’s words hinted at the unique space Murphy occupied in Hollywood—a space that was, shall we say, entirely uncharted.
Murphy explained that his rise was a phenomenon that left the seasoned actors of Poitier’s generation somewhat bewildered. “They didn’t have a reference for me,” he noted, reflecting on how he was a new kind of star, one whose appeal transcended traditional boundaries and reached a global audience. And boy, did it break big! “Malcolm X,” despite not including Haley as a character, became a monumental success, garnering two Oscar nominations—proof that the film resonated deeply, perhaps even without Murphy’s involvement.
In a world where historical figures often overshadow emerging talent, Murphy’s candid reflections serve as a reminder that every era of entertainment has its trailblazers. So, as we tip our hats to Sidney Poitier for his sage advice, let’s also raise a glass to Eddie Murphy for forging his own path—one that continues to inspire. Now, wasn’t that a masterclass in mentorship and self-discovery?
Sources: Celebrity Storm and Hollywood Reporter, Apple TV+
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed
