Murphy acknowledged the lack of diversity in Hollywood, but said he “transcended that stuff”
Hollywood star Eddie Murphy has said his race has never held hindered his career.
Murphy, 59, started making movies in 1980 and films he has starred in have grossed over £4.8 billion across the globe. His success, he believes, shows that he transcended the race barriers that can often hinder an actor’s career.
“In terms of my work and my career, race has never been an issue,” he said in an interview with the Radio Times.
“I’ve been making movies for 40 years and never once could I not get a movie made because I was black. I transcended that stuff. But that’s not to say I walked out of heaven and into Hollywood.
“I’m a black man who was born in America; I’m African American. Growing up in this country, there’s no way you’re not going to have to face some s***.”
Murphy acknowledged that racism and xenophobia does exist in Hollywood, of course, and said it’s not just targeted at the black community.
“It’s been this way for years and years, but it’s not just African Americans; it’s also about women and other minorities, too. White men run this business. It’s always been this way,” he said.
The sequel to 1988 blockbuster Coming to America will be released soon, with Murphy playing multiple characters.
