Eddie Murphy, who was honored with a lifetime achievement award at the Golden Globes on Tuesday, shared a warning with film industry new-comers. The comedic actor took home The Cecil B. DeMille Award at the Golden Globes on January 10. Towards the end of his acceptance speech, Murphy offered some advice to the film industry newcomers. “I want to let you know that there is a definitive blueprint that you can follow to achieve success, prosperity, longevity and peace of mind,” Murphy said.
“It’s a blueprint and I’ve followed it my whole career. It’s very simple, just do these three things: pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your fucking mouth!” The joke was a reference to the infamous heated exchange between Will Smith and Chris Rock at last year’s Oscars when Smith slapped the comedian onstage for poking fun at Jada Pinkett Smith’s bald head (a result of alopecia).
As noted by Variety, The Cecil B. DeMille award – which has been given to standout filmmakers and performers in the entertainment industry since 1952 – was presented to Murphy by Tracy Morgan and Jamie Lee Curtis. Murphy starred with Morgan in Coming to America and its 2021 sequel. He also worked with Curtis on Trading Places in 1983.
