Charlie Murphy’s death rocked fans. (Bobby Bank/WireImage/Getty Images)
Charlie Murphy, the older brother of fellow comedian Eddie Murphy, has reportedly died at 57 after battling leukemia.
The star’s manager said he died at a New York City hospital the morning of Wednesday, April 12, where he had been receiving chemotherapy, according to TMZ. His death stunned his family, who told the website they thought his health had been improving.
Murphy had recently been on The Comedy Get Down tour with Cedric the Entertainer, Eddie Griffin, George Lopez and D.L. Hughley and was set to appear on the Starz series “Power” this year. Murphy amassed a wide fanbase while appearing on “Chappelle’s Show” in the early 2000s and assisted his brother Eddie by writing the screenplay for 2007’s “Norbit.”
“Our hearts are heavy with the loss today of our son, brother, father, uncle and friend Charlie,” the Murphy family said in a statement to Rolling Stone. “Charlie filled our family with love and laughter and there won’t be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed.”
Like Murphy’s family, fans also were shocked by his passing, as his cancer diagnosis was not made public.
RIP Charlie Murphy. Talented dude. I didn't even know he was battling an illness. Condolences to Eddie and their family.
— April (@ReignOfApril) April 12, 2017
Now that they are both in heaven I hope Charlie Murphy finally gets his 1 on 1 rematch versus Prince 🏀
— Los (@blessedsinnerr) April 12, 2017
Celebrities also mourned the icon’s passing.
Just came out of meditation and learned that one of my friends and my biggest comedy idol passed. Damn I loved Charlie Murphy ❤❤❤❤🙏🏽🙏🏽🙏🏽
— Russell Simmons (@UncleRUSH) April 12, 2017
Rest in Paradise my brother @charliemurphy pic.twitter.com/pUfTXgqhao
— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) April 12, 2017
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