Legendary entertainer James Brown once offered Eddie Murphy career advice that has stayed with the comedian for decades.
Murphy recently recalled the memorable conversation during Apple TV+’s documentary Number One on the Call Sheet. The project explores the experiences of Black leading men in Hollywood. During the interview, Murphy reflected on guidance he received from several entertainment icons as his career took off in the early 1980s.
Among the most memorable lessons came from Brown, whose advice centered on longevity rather than immediate success.
James Brown’s Advice Focused on Staying Power
Murphy said Brown encouraged him to clean up his act if he hoped to enjoy a lasting career.
“James Brown told me to, he asked me to. He told me I should stop cursing,” Murphy recalled. “He said, ‘You want to be in this business a long time? You can stop that cursing.’”
The advice carried particular significance considering Murphy’s early stand-up career. His breakout comedy specials, including Delirious and later Raw, became famous for their unapologetically adult language and provocative material. Those performances helped establish Murphy as one of comedy’s biggest stars during the 1980s.
Brown, however, appeared to believe that broader audiences and long-term success required a different approach.
Murphy’s career ultimately expanded far beyond stand-up comedy. He became one of Hollywood’s biggest box office draws through films including 48 Hrs., Trading Places, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor and the Shrek franchise. He also earned critical acclaim for Dreamgirls, receiving Academy Award and Golden Globe recognition.
The Singer Also Shared Unusual Financial Wisdom
Brown did not stop with career advice.
Murphy said the Godfather of Soul also offered an unconventional lesson about protecting wealth.
“He said, ‘Do you think you got a million dollars?’ I said, ‘Yeah, I do.’ He said, ‘You ain’t got a million dollars. If you do got a million dollars, you take it, you bury it in the woods.’”
Murphy then explained Brown’s reasoning.
“He said, ‘Because the government will take it.’”
Murphy said he questioned the logic.
“I said, ‘But can’t the government take your land?’ He said, ‘But they won’t know where the money is.’”
Murphy laughed while remembering the exchange.
“That’s a true story. So that’s the kind of advice I used to get,” he said. “We didn’t have a lot of elders.”
The anecdote highlighted the unique mentorship Murphy received from some of entertainment’s biggest names. Although Brown’s financial strategy was hardly conventional, Murphy has often spoken about appreciating the sincerity behind advice from veteran performers who experienced fame before him.
Brown was not the only icon to influence Murphy’s career decisions. During the documentary, Murphy also revisited advice from the late Sidney Poitier. The acclaimed actor urged him to embrace his own lane rather than chase dramatic roles that did not fit his strengths. Murphy said Poitier reminded him that his appeal as a comedic leading man made him unique in Hollywood.
Looking back, Murphy’s recollections offer a glimpse into a period when Black entertainers often relied on personal relationships rather than formal mentorship. His stories reveal the humor, wisdom and sometimes eccentric guidance shared behind the scenes by pioneering figures like Brown.