Eddie Murphy Declares His Disinterest in a Funeral: “Just allow me to leave quietly”

The comedian made a joke about playing the “Beverly Hills Cop” theme tune at his funeral before announcing he doesn’t want one.

Eddie Murphy understands what his family wants to happen to him when he passes away.

The comedian said he doesn’t want a funeral in an Instagram chat with reporter Kevin McCarthy on Wednesday, July 3. He had earlier joked that the Beverly Hills Cop theme song should be played at the ceremony to make people “smile.”

He performed an acapella rendition of the jingle and declared that it befitted the music played during his funeral.

“That’s just a joke, ’cause I’m never having a funeral,” he said.

Murphy clarified further, saying, “I mean, I’m going to die just like everyone else. However, [my loved ones] are aware—no funeral. Please allow me to leave discreetly.”

The interview served as promotion for his most recent film, Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F, which came out on Wednesday, July 3. It is the fourth entry in the action-comedy series.

In the movie, Murphy plays police officer Axel Foley again, who goes back to Beverly Hills when his daughter’s life is in danger. Ten years have passed since the third movie’s premiere.

In an interview with McCarthy, the actor made light of the fact that people have been inquiring about his feelings about playing “the Black James Bond,” and he replied, “I don’t have to be some Black James Bond.” Axel Foley has theme music and everything, which I have.”

Although only Beverly Hills Cop features action sequences and memorable theme music, the Oscar-nominated actor has acted in numerous notable comedic franchises.

Murphy starred in the beloved 1998 film Coming to America as Prince Akeem, an African prince who travels to New York City in search of a wife, after Beverly Hills Cop and its sequel became successful. Coming 2 America, its follow-up, was made available in 2021.

In the 1996 film The Nutty Professor, he also portrayed Professor Sherman Klump. A sequel to the film series, which follows Sherman as he takes a medication that makes him slim but alters his personality, was released in 2000.

Murphy played the title role in the 1998 Dr. Dolittle reboot, which saw him discover he could communicate with animals, as a follow-up to that movie. In 2001, he played the part again.
Murphy most recently provided the voice of Donkey, Shrek’s sidekick, in four Shrek feature films.