The Canadian Encyclopedia — neutral, cited, updated
September 11, 2026Sources cited
Canadianwire.
Canada’s encyclopedia & explainer
Home›Entertainment›Comedian›Charlie Murphy
Entertainment • Comedian

Charlie Murphy

Charlie Murphy was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer best known for his work on *Chappelle’s Show* and the sitcom *Black Jesus*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated September 11, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Charlie Murphy was an American stand-up comedian, actor, and writer best known for his work on *Chappelle’s Show* and the sitcom *Black Jesus*. He was also the older brother of actor and comedian Eddie Murphy. Murphy died in 2017 from complications of leukemia at the age of 57.

Early life

Charlie Murphy was born Charles Quinton Murphy in Brooklyn, New York, in 1959. Multiple sources identify him as the older brother of Eddie Murphy.

Career

Murphy worked as a comedian, actor, and writer. He gained wide recognition through his writing and performances on *Chappelle’s Show* and later appeared in *Black Jesus*.

Film and television work

Available sources list Murphy’s credits in film and television, including work associated with comedy projects and screenwriting. He is widely associated with *Vampire in Brooklyn* and *Norbit* in biographical listings.

Death

Murphy died on April 12, 2017, at age 57. Sources describe the cause as leukemia or complications from leukemia.

Key facts

  • Charlie Murphy was an American comedian, actor, and writer.
  • He was best known as a writer and cast member on *Chappelle’s Show*.
  • He co-starred in the sitcom *Black Jesus*.
  • He was the older brother of Eddie Murphy.
  • He died in 2017 at age 57 from complications of leukemia.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Charlie Murphy?
Charlie Murphy was an American comedian, actor, and writer known for *Chappelle’s Show* and *Black Jesus*.
What was Charlie Murphy’s full name?
His full name was Charles Quinton Murphy.
Was Charlie Murphy related to Eddie Murphy?
Yes. Charlie Murphy was Eddie Murphy’s older brother.
What was Charlie Murphy best known for?
He was best known for his work as a writer and cast member on *Chappelle’s Show*.
When did Charlie Murphy die?
He died on April 12, 2017, at the age of 57.
What was Charlie Murphy’s cause of death?
Sources report leukemia or complications from leukemia.

References

  1. BBC News — https://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-39588040
    Supports: Death, age, and identification as comedian and Eddie Murphy’s older brother
  2. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Charlie_Murphy_(actor)
    Supports: Full name, birth and death dates, occupation, and major credits
  3. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0614151/
    Supports: Birthplace, occupation, and selected screen credits
  4. NPR — https://www.npr.org/2009/11/30/120954469/comedian-charlie-murphy-a-stand-up-guy
    Supports: Background, career framing, and public identity