It is a weird thing to realize that the guy who basically invented modern stand-up and movie stardom is now technically a senior citizen. People are constantly Googling how old is Eddie Murphy because the man simply does not seem to age at the same rate as the rest of us mortals. Maybe it is the good genes, or maybe it is just that high-energy "Axel Foley" spirit he’s been carrying around since the early 80s.
As of right now, in early 2026, Eddie Murphy is 64 years old.
He was born on April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York. If you do the math, he’s coming up on his 65th birthday this spring. For context, when he first stepped onto the Saturday Night Live stage and saved the show from certain cancellation, he was only 19. Nineteen! Most of us were struggling to figure out a laundry machine at that age, and he was already a household name.
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The Age-Defying Career of Edward Regan Murphy
People get hung up on the number because Eddie has been "the guy" for so many different generations. If you’re a Gen Xer, you remember him from Raw and 48 Hrs. If you’re a Millennial, he’s the Donkey from Shrek or the guy playing seven different people in The Nutty Professor. Even now, kids recognize his voice or see his face on Netflix. It feels like he’s been 40 for about thirty years.
He’s not slowing down, either. Honestly, his schedule for 2026 looks more like someone in their prime than someone looking for a retirement home. He is literally set to receive the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award on April 18, 2026. That is a massive deal. It’s the highest honor for a career in film, and he’s getting it just a few weeks after his 65th birthday.
Why the Public is Obsessed With His Age
There is a specific kind of fascination with how "well-preserved" he is. You see him in recent films like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F or the Netflix documentary Being Eddie, and he’s still got that same grin. There aren't many stars who can headline a major action-comedy in their mid-60s and still look like they could actually jump over a fence without breaking a hip.
- Born: April 3, 1961
- Current Age: 64 (turning 65 in April 2026)
- Birthplace: Brooklyn, NY
- Career Start: 1976 (Stand-up), 1980 (SNL)
Fatherhood and the "Superpower" of Being Present
You can't talk about how old is Eddie Murphy without mentioning his family. The man is a father of ten. Yes, ten. That ranges from his oldest, Eric (born in 1989), who is now in his mid-30s, down to his youngest, Max Charles, who is still just a kid.
In his recent documentary, Eddie talked about how his kids are the "center of everything." He famously called his ability to be a present father his "superpower." He’s even a grandfather now! His son Myles has a daughter named Evie. It’s a massive, blended family that includes his wife, Paige Butcher, whom he married in a private ceremony in July 2024.
Think about that for a second. He’s balancing a legendary career revival with the chaos of ten children and a grandchild. That kind of lifestyle would probably age most people twice as fast, but Eddie seems to thrive on it.
What’s Next for the 64-Year-Old Icon?
If you think 64 is the age to hang it up, Eddie would like a word. His 2026 and 2027 slate is absolutely packed. We aren't just talking about small cameos; we are talking about massive franchise anchors.
- Shrek 5: He’s officially back as Donkey. The movie is slated for late 2026.
- The Pink Panther: He’s taking on the role of Inspector Clouseau. That is some serious comedic pressure, but if anyone can do it, it’s him.
- Blue Falcon: An action-comedy where he plays a retired superspy.
- George Clinton Biopic: This is a passion project where he’ll play the Parliament-Funkadelic leader.
It’s actually kind of wild. Most actors his age are relegated to playing the "wise grandfather" or the "grumpy old neighbor." Eddie is still out here playing superspies and talking donkeys. He has successfully navigated the transition from the "youngest person in the room" to the "legendary statesman" without losing his edge.
The Reality of Aging in Hollywood
Let’s be real: Hollywood is obsessed with youth. For a Black actor to maintain this level of bankability for five decades is almost unheard of. He’s one of the top five box-office performers of all time. When people ask how old is Eddie Murphy, they aren't just looking for a number; they are looking for the secret to his longevity.
He has stayed relevant by being willing to poke fun at himself while also protecting his brand. He doesn't do every script that comes his way anymore. He’s selective. He knows that at 64, his time is more valuable than it was at 24.
Actionable Insights for Fans
If you want to keep up with Eddie Murphy's current era, here is what you should actually do:
- Watch the Documentary: Check out Being Eddie on Netflix. It gives the best look at his life today and how he views his legacy.
- Mark the Calendar: April 18, 2026, is the AFI Life Achievement Award gala. It’ll likely be televised or streamed shortly after, and the tributes will be legendary.
- Revisit the Classics: If you've only seen his "family-friendly" stuff, go back and watch Trading Places or his SNL highlights. It puts his current age into perspective when you see the raw energy he started with.
- Ignore the Hoaxes: Every few months, some "death hoaxes" or "retirement rumors" pop up on social media. Check his official production channels or major outlets like People or The Hollywood Reporter—the man is very much alive and working.
At the end of the day, 64 is just a number on a Wikipedia page. Eddie Murphy is currently entering what might be the most prestigious chapter of his life. He’s no longer the "kid" from Brooklyn, but he’s definitely not "old" in the way we usually think about it. He’s just Eddie.