(born 1961) African American comic and actor who has honed his edgy style in stand-up and street-smart characters on Saturday Nïght Live, which he joined at the age of nineteen. These included a ghetto satire of children’s television host Mr Rogers and references to black stereotypes in media (Buck-wheat). Murphy’s highly successful film career has included action and comic parts, often showcasing his flexibility in developing multiple characters within the movie (Coming to America, 1988; Bowfinger, 1999; The Nutty Professor movies, 1996 and 2000). He retains his concert career as well.