Eddie Murphy

Even as a young boy, Eddie Murphy knew how to make people laugh.

He first took the stage at the age of 15, emceeing an amateur talent show.

At 19, he was discovered by the producers of Saturday Night Live and soon emerged as the sketch comedy program's biggest and most controversial star, creating such memorable characters as Buckwheat, Mr. Robinson, and Little Richard Simmons. After Murphy turned to making movies, he quickly established himself as one of the hottest stars in Hollywood, playing such streetwise characters as Axel Foley in Beverly Hills Cop.

Murphy has since expanded his range by starring in more family-friendly films and playing multiple characters in movies like The Nutty Professor, as well as acting in more dramatic roles, such as his portrayal of soul singer James ""Thunder"" Early in Dreamgirls.

Read how this talented, wise-cracking actor has made audiences laugh, from the small screen to movie hits.