Summary
Eddie Murphy explains why he thinksThe Nutty Professoris his best performance of all time. A remake of the 1963 film of the same name, 1996’sThe Nutty ProfessorseesMurphy playing Sherman Klump, an obese and lovable professor who discovers a unique chemical that magically induces his weight loss. In addition to Murphy, the film featured a leading cast including Jada Pinkett Smith, James Coburn, Larry Miller, Dave Chappelle, and John Ales. Itwas well-liked during the time of its release, and inspired the sequelNutty Professor II: The Klumps.
Speaking withThe New York Times, Murphy explains why he thinksThe Nutty Professoris his best role. He mentioned bothBowfingerandThe Nutty Professor, but it was clear that the latter film ultimately came out on top. Murphy attributed this status to “those makeups that Rick Baker did” that made the role so transformative. He also pointed out the uniqueness of his Sherman Klump role, saying that he couldn’t “think of another person” that would be able to play the part quite like he did. Check out the full quote from Murphy below:
For me there’s no comparison. I like “Bowfinger,” but “Nutty Professor” — that stuff is real. Those makeups that Rick Baker did, that turn you into another person and there’s no sign of me: I could walk in a room, and a person wouldn’t even know it was me. Let’s put it this way: I like “Bowfinger,” but I could think of 20 other actors that could have played that role. I can’t think of another person that could do “Nutty Professor.”
What Are Some Of Eddie Murphy’s Other Iconic Roles?
Murphy Has Brought A Number Of Memorable Characters To Life
Given all the actor’s other iconic roles, it is notable to hear Murphy speak aboutThe Nutty Professorbeing his best performance. Though he does not fully articulate what about theNutty Professorpart makes it so notable, his comments allude to the heavy makeup aiding the outlandishness of the role and making it memorable for him. Literally and figuratively, there is a larger-than-life quality to Sherman Klump, as well as his Buddy Love persona. This type of comedy is quintessential Murphy, making his statement that few other actors could play him understandable.
Over a decade beforeThe Nutty Professorhit the big screen, Murphy debuted in another of his major roles, Axel Foley. Axel Foley is the star ofBeverly Hills Cop, which was a hit at the time of its release and went on to spawn two sequels. As in the case ofThe Nutty Professor, the legacy of that character has also lived on throughout time, as Axel Foley is making a return appearancethis year inBeverly Hills Cop: Axel F. The sequel is set to release on Netflix on July 3.
Every Eddie Murphy Action Movie, Ranked Worst To Best
Eddie Murphy has many action movies in his filmography, but how do they all rank alongside one another, including the Beverly Hills Cop trilogy?
Post-2000, Murphy’s career is perhaps most synonymous with the character of Donkey in theShrekseries. Like Sherman Klump, Donkey is a lovable goofball, who, in this case, is the sidekick to the titular ogre. He is also a much-beloved Murphy character, and the actor will voice him again inShrek 5,as well as a Donkey spinoff. Even with all of these other well-liked Murphy roles, it seems clear thatThe Nutty Professoris his favorite.
The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps
Cast
The Nutty Professor II: The Klumps features Eddie Murphy reprising his role as Professor Sherman Klump. This sequel explores the complications arising from Sherman’s love life and his alter ego, Buddy Love, as he works on a youth serum. The film focuses on the dynamic of the Klump family, with Murphy playing multiple characters, and offers a comedic take on human imperfection and family bonds.
