Eddie Murphy Reflects on Sidney Poitier’s Career Advice: 'You Are Not Denzel'

Eddie Murphy Reflects on Sidney Poitier’s Career Advice: "You Are Not Denzel"

Eddie Murphy has shared a fascinating reflection on a pivotal moment in his career when the legendary Sidney Poitier gave him surprising advice that left him both confused and intrigued. The interaction occurred during the early 1990s, when Murphy was considering playing the role of Alex Haley in the film adaptation of The Autobiography of Malcolm X. However, Poitier’s comments took Murphy by surprise, as they served as both a compliment and a challenge.

The Unexpected Encounter with Sidney Poitier

In the new documentary Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood, Murphy opened up about a conversation he had with Poitier regarding the role in Malcolm X. Poitier, a Hollywood trailblazer and icon in films like In the Heat of the Night, gave Murphy some candid and thought-provoking career advice.

“They were talking about doing Malcolm X,” Murphy recalled. “Norman Jewison was putting it together. They were gonna use The Autobiography of Malcolm X by Alex Haley. And they approached me about playing Alex Haley.”

At that time, Murphy was still in the process of deciding whether or not to take on the role when he crossed paths with Poitier. Excited about the possibility of the role, Murphy shared his thoughts with Poitier, but the response he received was far from what he expected.

"Sidney Poitier said, 'You are not Denzel, and you are not Morgan. You are a breath of fresh air, and don't f--- with that!’” Murphy recalled.

"What?!" - A Moment of Confusion

Poitier’s words left Murphy puzzled. The remark was not entirely a compliment nor an insult; it was more of an observation about his unique place in Hollywood. Murphy himself wasn’t quite sure how to take the advice. “I didn’t know if it was an insult or a compliment,” Murphy admitted. “I was like, 'What?'"

At the time, Poitier was comparing Murphy to fellow Black Hollywood stars Denzel Washington and Morgan Freeman. Both Washington and Freeman were emerging as prominent leading men, while Murphy had already begun to make his mark as a comedic superstar in films like Beverly Hills Cop and Coming to America. Murphy's appeal was a bit different from that of Washington and Freeman, which may have been why Poitier felt compelled to offer such a pointed piece of advice.

The Decision to Cast Denzel Washington

Ultimately, Poitier’s advice didn’t dissuade Murphy from exploring his career path, but it did highlight the differences between him and the other Hollywood leading men of that era. The role of Alex Haley in Malcolm X eventually went to Denzel Washington, with Spike Lee directing the 1992 film, a pivotal moment in Washington’s career.

As Murphy speculated, Poitier might have viewed him as something entirely new in the industry. Unlike Washington or Freeman, Murphy's films were wildly successful across the globe, attracting a mainstream audience far beyond the typical Hollywood sphere.

"I was in uncharted waters," Murphy said. "For Sidney and all those guys, when I showed up, it was something kinda new... They didn't have a reference for me, they couldn't give me advice, 'cause I was 20, 21 years old, and my audience was the mainstream — all of everywhere. My movies [were] all around the world, and they had never had that with a young Black person."

James Brown’s Career Wisdom

In addition to Poitier’s advice, Murphy recalled another moment where a legendary figure offered him career guidance — James Brown. The Godfather of Soul had his own unique take on Murphy’s rise to fame.

James Brown told Murphy, “You wanna be in this business for a long time? Stop that cursing.” He also warned him about his newfound wealth. “You think you got a million dollars?” Brown asked. Murphy confirmed that he did, to which Brown replied, “You ain’t got no million dollars. If you do got a million dollars, you take it and you bury it in the woods.”

Murphy, baffled by this advice, questioned why he would bury money in the woods. Brown explained, “Because the government will take it from you, so bury it.” While Murphy didn’t take the advice literally, the conversation revealed the different perspectives these figures had on fame and fortune.

Legacy and Reflection

The documentary Number One on the Call Sheet explores the careers of Black leading men in Hollywood, and Eddie Murphy’s reflections offer a unique window into his journey in the entertainment industry. From his early days as a comedic sensation to his transformation into a respected actor and filmmaker, Murphy’s career trajectory has been anything but typical.

The advice from Poitier and Brown helped shape Murphy's understanding of his place in Hollywood and the challenges he faced as a trailblazer for Black actors in an industry often resistant to change. As he continues to carve out his legacy, Murphy’s ability to adapt and thrive in an ever-evolving entertainment landscape is a testament to his resilience.