Eddie Murphy, the iconic comedian and star of Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and the voice of Donkey in Shrek, is not just a Hollywood legend but also a dedicated father to ten children. This impressive family, a beautiful example of a blended family, includes six daughters and four sons, born from his relationships with five different women. Despite a demanding career, Murphy has consistently emphasized that his children are “the center of everything,” showcasing a deep commitment to fatherhood that extends beyond the glitz and glamour of Hollywood.
His children, Eric, Bria, Christian, Myles Mitchell, Shayne Audra, Zola Ivy, Bella Zahra, Angel Iris, Izzy Iona, and Max Charles, range in age, reflecting different chapters in Murphy’s life and relationships. Let’s take a closer look at Eddie Murphy’s family and the dynamics that make it so unique.
The Mothers of His Children
Murphy’s journey to fatherhood began with Paulette McNeely, with whom he welcomed his eldest son, Eric Murphy. His most extensive family chapter is with ex-wife Nicole Mitchell, a model, with whom he has five children: Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella. In between his children with Nicole, he also fathered a son, Christian, with Tamara Hood. His relationship with Melanie Brown, famously known as Mel B from the Spice Girls, brought his daughter Angel Iris into the world. Currently, he is engaged to Paige Butcher, and together they have added two more children to his family, Izzy Iona and Max Charles.
This diverse family structure highlights not only Murphy’s personal life but also his approach to parenting across different relationships and stages of his life. While each relationship has its own story, the common thread is Murphy’s dedication to his children.
Eddie Murphy’s Children: A Closer Look
Paulette McNeely and Eric Murphy
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Eddie Murphy and his son Eric Murphy at an event.
Eric Murphy, Eddie’s firstborn, arrived on July 10, 1989, from his relationship with Paulette McNeely. While details about Murphy’s relationship with McNeely remain private, Eric has grown into a successful adult, and maintains a connection with his father and the wider Murphy family. Interestingly, Eric is currently in a relationship with Jasmin Lawrence, the daughter of fellow comedy icon Martin Lawrence, potentially creating a comedy dynasty in the making. Eddie Murphy has expressed his amusement and support for this relationship, even joking about expecting their future children to be funny.
Nicole Mitchell and Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella Murphy
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Eddie Murphy and ex-wife Nicole Mitchell with their children at “The Haunted Mansion” premiere.
Eddie Murphy’s marriage to model Nicole Mitchell in 1993 marked a significant chapter in his family life. They share five children, starting with daughter Bria Murphy, born in November 1989. Bria has followed in her parents’ artistic footsteps, establishing herself as an artist and actress. Myles Mitchell Murphy, born in November 1992, keeps a lower public profile but is known to be part of the close-knit Murphy family. Shayne Audra Murphy, born in October 1994, is also involved in the entertainment industry, showcasing the family’s creative talents. Zola Ivy Murphy, born in December 1999, and Bella Zahra Murphy, born in January 2002, complete this branch of the family, each with their own developing personalities and paths.
Despite Nicole Mitchell filing for divorce in 2005 after 12 years of marriage, their focus remained on co-parenting and maintaining a healthy family environment. Both Eddie and Nicole have publicly spoken about their amicable relationship post-divorce, prioritizing their children’s well-being above all else.
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Eddie Murphy and his children attend the premiere of “Mr. Church”.
Their ability to navigate divorce while maintaining a strong, supportive family unit is a testament to their commitment to their children. Nicole has mentioned that she and Eddie are friends and can easily be in the same room together, highlighting their successful co-parenting dynamic.
Tamara Hood and Christian Murphy
Born in November 1990, Christian Murphy is Eddie’s son with Tamara Hood. Like his half-brother Eric’s mother, details about Tamara Hood and her relationship with Eddie Murphy are not widely publicized. Christian, however, is known to be part of the Murphy family circle, appearing in social media posts alongside his siblings, indicating a unified family front despite the different parental relationships.
Melanie Brown and Angel Iris Murphy Brown
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Melanie Brown and Eddie Murphy during their relationship.
Angel Iris Murphy Brown, born in April 2007, is the daughter of Eddie Murphy and Melanie Brown (Mel B). Their relationship, though described as intense and passionate by Mel B, was brief and faced public scrutiny, particularly regarding Angel’s paternity, which was later confirmed by a DNA test. Despite the initial challenges, both parents have moved towards a positive co-parenting relationship. Mel B has spoken openly about the complexities of their past but also acknowledged Murphy’s present role as a loving father to Angel. Sources indicate that Angel has a close relationship with her father, further cementing the theme of Murphy’s dedication to all his children.
Paige Butcher and Izzy Iona and Max Charles Murphy
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Eddie Murphy and Paige Butcher attend Bria Murphy’s art gallery debut.
Paige Butcher entered Eddie Murphy’s life in 2012, and their relationship has since blossomed, adding two more children to his family. Izzy Iona Murphy was born in May 2016, followed by Max Charles Murphy in November 2018. Eddie and Paige got engaged in 2018 and recently married in a private ceremony in July 2024. Paige Butcher has maintained a relatively private life, but she is often seen alongside Eddie at family events, and they appear to have a strong and stable partnership. The addition of Izzy and Max has further expanded Murphy’s already large family, bringing even more joy and activity into his life.
Eddie Murphy: The Family Man
Despite his fame and demanding career, Eddie Murphy’s commitment to his children is a recurring theme in narratives about him. Colleagues like Judge Reinhold have described him as a “family guy at heart,” emphasizing that Murphy’s dedication to his children is genuine and central to his life. Murphy himself has stated that putting his children first is a guiding principle, influencing his career decisions and life priorities.
In a 2021 interview, Murphy shared that his ideal day involves being home with his children, highlighting the simple joys of family life as his true preference amidst his Hollywood lifestyle. This perspective reinforces the image of Eddie Murphy not just as a comedic icon but also as a devoted father deeply invested in the lives of his ten children and the dynamics of his large, blended family.
Conclusion
Eddie Murphy’s journey as a father of ten is a compelling story of family, commitment, and love. His blended family, while complex in its structure, stands as a testament to his dedication to fatherhood. From his eldest son Eric to his youngest Max, Eddie Murphy has created a family environment where, despite different mothers and relationships, his children are clearly a central and cherished part of his life. As he continues his career and family life, it’s evident that for Eddie Murphy, family truly is the center of everything.
