Eddie Murphy Reflects on Sidney Poitier’s Surprising Advice
In a recent revelation, actor Eddie Murphy discussed a remarkable piece of advice he received from the legendary Sidney Poitier during the Apple TV+ documentary titled Number One on the Call Sheet: Black Leading Men in Hollywood. This unexpected guidance left Murphy both astonished and contemplative.
The Context of the Advice
During the early discussions surrounding the film Malcolm X, which was initially to be directed by Norman Jewison, Poitier advised Murphy against taking the role. Jewison, who directed Poitier in In the Heat of the Night, had originally cast Denzel Washington in the lead role before Spike Lee eventually took over.
Murphy’s Reaction to Poitier’s Words
Murphy recounted his encounter with Poitier as he was contemplating portraying Alex Haley in the film. “At that time, I ran into Sidney and mentioned that I was thinking about the role,” Murphy explained. In response, Poitier told him, “You are not Denzel [Washington], and you are not Morgan [Freeman]. You are a breath of fresh air, and don’t mess with that!”
A Complex Response
Perplexed by Poitier’s comparison, Murphy confessed he couldn’t determine whether the comment was an insult or a compliment. “I was like, ‘What?'” he remarked, expressing his surprise at being mentioned alongside two esteemed actors.
Murphy’s Unique Position in Hollywood
In the documentary, he offered insight into why Poitier might have felt reluctant to group him with Washington and Freeman. “I was in uncharted waters. For Sidney and all those guys, when I showed up, it was something kinda new. They didn’t have a reference for me,” Murphy said. He emphasized that at the age of 20 or 21, his films reached a worldwide audience like never before for a young Black actor, leaving the previous generation unsure of how to guide him.
The Impact of Malcolm X
Ultimately, although Alex Haley was not a character in Spike Lee’s Malcolm X, the film received widespread acclaim, earning two Academy Award nominations: one for Washington in the Best Actor category and another for the stunning costume design by Ruth E. Carter.