Having a remarkable ability to light up the room with his charisma and humor, Eddie Murphy did the same when he appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, four years back. Thus, recalling his iconic interview where he shared some of his exquisite stories while addressing a few rumors about him, let’s dive into Murphy’s early career.
Maintaining his infectious energy and charm throughout the interview, Eddie Murphy took his viewers on a journey through his storied career, offering both laughs and insights. In a particularly revealing moment, while addressing rumors about himself, Murphy set the record straight about his time as a shoe salesman, ahead of landing SNL.
Eddie Murphy Set the Record Straight About His Early Career
Much like his celebrated performances in films, when Eddie Murphy appeared on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in December 2019, the iconic actor lit up the room with his humor and enigma. Speaking with the host and sharing his fascinating stories throughout his coveted career, Murphy soon began separating facts from rumors by addressing speculations about his life and career.
During the interview, as Eddie Murphy was asked about his early career, ahead of landing SNL and pursuing comedy, the actor mentioned working as a shoe salesman in Long Island. Striking a conversation with Jimmy Fallon, Murphy took the opportunity to clarify the rumor about his career, when the host asked if he was fired from his job. Clarifying a popular misconception about his career, Murphy offered a glimpse into his career choices.
Right before you landed SNL you were fired from your job as a shoe salesman? Fallon asked.
Oh I wasn’t fired, I quit that job. I worked at Chandler’s Shoes at the mall out on Long Island. And I quit. Murphy clarified.
You quit? Well, everyone at Chandler’s Shoes you missed out. And thank you for this gift cause Eddie Murphy is now with us and we’re so happy. Fallon hyped.
Sharing the story about his early career and clarifying that he had not been fired but had instead made a bold decision to leave his job and pursue his comedy dreams, Eddie Murphy set the record straight. Revealing that his departure from Chandler’s Shoes was a matter of personal choice rather than a termination, Murphy insisted on leaving his job to pursue his comedy dreams.
Pivotal Choices that Shaped Eddie Murphy’s Legendary Career
Despite the common narrative that he was fired, Eddie Murphy recounted his experience at Chandler’s Shoes and explained that he quit the job before he rose to fame in Hollywood. Perhaps, driven by a strong passion for comedy and a desire to succeed in the entertainment industry, Murphy was eventually led toward SNL in 1980.
Thereafter, appearing on the sketch comedy show, Eddie Murphy became a regular cast member from 1980 to 1984, which ultimately led him towards Hollywood. According to IMDb, in 1982, the actor made his feature film debut in 48 Hrs alongside Nick Nolte and since then, Murphy never had to look back.
So it seems that quitting his job as a shoe salesman to pursue comedy wasn’t such a bad idea for $200M rich Eddie Murphy (via Celebirty Net Worth). With a desire to follow his passion, one after another, the actor landed great opportunities through his sheer talent and hard work. Now, Murphy has become a global icon following his iconic role as Axel Foley in the Beverly Hills Cop franchise.
