Most people see the last name and stop there. They think of the 1993 "wedding of the decade" at the Plaza Hotel. They think of the five kids and the $15 million divorce settlement that made headlines in 2006. But if you think Nicole Mitchell Murphy has just been coasting on a famous ex-husband’s legacy for the last twenty years, you haven’t been paying attention.
Honestly, her story is a lot more chaotic—and impressive—than the tabloids suggest. She didn't just walk away with a check; she walked into a buzzsaw of investment scams, public breakups, and a complete reinvention that most people would have folded under.
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The Divorce That Wasn't the End
When Nicole filed for divorce from Eddie Murphy in 2005, citing irreconcilable differences, the world assumed she was set for life. And on paper, she was. She received a lump-sum payment of $15 million. No monthly alimony. Just a clean break.
But here’s what really happened with Nicole Mitchell Murphy shortly after: she lost nearly half of it almost immediately.
It’s a cautionary tale. A childhood friend named Troy Stratos convinced her to invest about $7 million of her settlement into overseas schemes. It turned out to be a massive con. Stratos wasn't just a bad investor; he was a criminal who eventually got sentenced to prison for his various frauds. Nicole was left facing tax liens and debt while the public still thought she was sitting on a mountain of "Coming to America" money.
She had a choice: hide or hustle. She chose the hustle.
Life After the Settlement: Reality TV and Business
You’ve probably seen her on Hollywood Exes. That show, which she also executive produced, wasn't just a way to stay relevant. It was a strategic move to rebuild her brand. People forget she started as a high-fashion model at 13 years old, walking for Chanel and Valentino. She knew how the industry worked.
Building the Murphy Empire (Without Eddie)
Nicole didn't just stop at reality TV. She leaned hard into the wellness and beauty space long before every influencer had a skincare line.
- yFOY (Your Fountain of Youth): Her current skincare brand focuses on anti-aging. At 58, she basically serves as her own best marketing—the woman hasn't aged in decades.
- FLP by Nicole Murphy: A jewelry line she launched to tap into her fashion roots.
- Fitness: She’s become a bit of a fitness mogul on social media, showing off workouts that would put most 20-year-olds to shame.
She didn't just survive the loss of her settlement; she diversified. Today, her net worth is estimated to be back around the $10 million mark. Not bad for someone the IRS was chasing in 2010.
The Relationship Rollercoaster
Nicole's love life has been... complicated. After Eddie, she had a very public, five-year engagement to NFL legend Michael Strahan. They were the "it" couple until they weren't. They split in 2014, and while the official word was "busy schedules," the rumor mill was much louder.
More recently, she’s faced real tragedy. In 2024, her partner Warren Braithwaite passed away after a battle with cancer. She was devastated, calling him "her world." It’s a reminder that behind the "glamorous ex-wife" persona, there’s a woman dealing with the same heavy life stuff as anyone else. Lately, she's been spotted hanging out with Marcus Jordan (Michael Jordan's son), proving that the gossip blogs are still obsessed with her every move.
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Why She Still Matters in 2026
Nicole Mitchell Murphy is more than just a footnote in Eddie’s biography. She’s the matriarch of a massive, blended family. She and Eddie are famously amicable co-parents to Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella. She was even there, front and center, when their daughter Bria opened her art gallery.
She's managed to keep the "Murphy" name while forging a completely separate identity. When asked why she kept the name, her answer was simple: "I gave him five kids." It’s that kind of no-nonsense attitude that has kept her in the spotlight for three decades.
Actionable Insights for the "Ex-Wife" Narrative
If you're following Nicole's journey for inspiration or just curious about how celebrity wealth works, here are the real takeaways:
- Protect your assets: Even if you trust the person, get a second (and third) opinion on large investments. Nicole’s $7 million loss was preventable.
- Personal branding is permanent: She used her "Ex-Wife" status as a springboard, not a landing pad. She transitioned from "wife of" to "executive producer" and "CEO."
- Co-parenting is a business: Maintaining a good relationship with a powerful ex isn't just about peace; it’s about family stability and shared legacy.
Nicole Murphy isn't a victim of her circumstances. She’s a survivor of her own fame. Whether she's launching a new skincare serum or appearing at a red carpet event with her kids, she’s proven that the second act can be much more interesting than the first.