'God was looking over me': Eddie Murphy reflects on declining drugs with Robin Williams and John Belushi
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Eddie Murphy reminisces about a night in the 1980s when he declined an offer to do cocaine with Robin Williams and John Belushi. The comedian attributes his decision to divine providence, which helped him realize he simply wasn't interested in drugs.
The 63-year-old actor recently shared insights into his life, success, and the challenges that come with achieving fame at a young age.
The ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ actor credits his night out with Williams and Belushi for revealing to him that he wasn’t suited for drugs.
Eddie Murphy opens up about denouncing drugs
In a recent interview with the New York Times, Murphy shared that the lives of Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, and Prince are “all cautionary tales” for him.
He revealed, “I don’t drink. I smoked a joint for the first time when I was 30 years old — the extent of drugs is some weed," per US Magazine.
Murphy further shared, “I remember I was 19, I went to the Blues Bar. It was me, [John] Belushi and Robin Williams. They start doing coke, and I was like, 'No, I’m cool.'”
“I wasn’t taking some moral stance,” admitted the ‘Saturday Night Live’ alum, while explaining, “I just wasn’t interested in it. To not have the desire or the curiosity, I’d say that’s providence.”
He shared, “God was looking over me in that moment. When you get famous really young, especially a Black artist, it’s like living in a minefield. Any moment something could happen that can undo everything.”
To underscore his concerns, Belushi tragically died of a heroin overdose at the age of 33 in 1982. Williams, too, tragically took his own life in 2014 after battling depression for an extended period.
Eddie Murphy reflects on stardom
In the interview with the outlet, he further reflected on the early start of his career, noting that he knew from a young age that he was destined to be a star.
However, he further admitted that he didn't always appreciate the success once he got hold of it.
He shared, “I started at maybe around 13, 14, saying that I was going to be famous.”
“I’d tell my mother, ‘When I’m famous. …’ So when I got famous, it was like, See, I told you.’ I was having these famous people that I grew up watching on television wanting to have a meal with me,” continued Murphy.
He shared, “After 48 Hrs, Marlon Brando calls my agent and wants to meet me. Now I look back and go, ‘Wow, that’s crazy, the greatest actor of all time wants to have dinner with you!’ But back then I just thought, ‘Well, that’s the way it is — you make a movie, and Marlon Brando calls.’”
