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From hot tubs to comedy clubs, nobody does impressions quite like Eddie Murphy! Join us as we showcase the comedy legend's most hilarious and spot-on celebrity impersonations. From his high-energy James Brown to his iconic Buckwheat character, Murphy's vocal mimicry and physical comedy skills are second to none.
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00:00Welcome to WatchMojo, and today we're counting down our picks for the most
00:11side-splitting and culturally significant impersonations from Eddie Murphy.
00:14Remember, nice boys don't get girls pregnant.
00:17Number 10, Tracy Morgan.
00:19If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here. Like, literally, I was conceived on a delirious tour bus.
00:27You know, that math doesn't really quite add up.
00:29Few comedians can capture the chaotic energy of another comedian, but Eddie Murphy's impression
00:34of fellow SNL alum Tracy Morgan is a masterclass in imitation.
00:37He went to your house, and you made him, as he said over and over again to me,
00:43Ballpark Franks!
00:46He said, I went over there, and he made me Franks, Ballpark Franks!
00:49Showcasing this impression during various late-night talk show interviews and sketch performances,
00:54including Saturday Night Live's 50th anniversary special, Murphy seamlessly blends Morgan's
00:59distinctive vocal patterns, frenetic pacing, and unpredictable humor.
01:02Look at this!
01:03Tracy Morgan!
01:04Big dog gonna make some big money!
01:14Now wait a minute, Tracy, don't you already have a lot of money?
01:17Well, you gotta have a lot of money if you're gonna live like I live.
01:20I eat four cheese lasagna!
01:21Yep, what makes this impression especially funny is the comedian's ability to emulate
01:26not just Tracy Morgan's voice, but his overall energy, creating a vibrant, over-the-top caricature
01:31that fans instantly recognize and adore.
01:34That's why I'm gonna always be cool with Eddie, cause he may be them Franks!
01:39And when I was young, they used to call me Fat Murphy!
01:42It's no secret that Eddie Murphy has long admired the king of rock'n'roll Elvis Presley,
01:53and so, naturally, his Elvis impression comes with impeccable vocal mimicry, something that
01:58Murphy combines with his own signature comedic exaggeration.
02:02As featured in his stand-up routines, Murphy captures Presley's southern drawl, distinctive
02:18vocal hiccups, and over-the-top charisma that made Elvis a cultural phenomenon.
02:23Eddie often peppers the impression with playful facial expressions and improvised ad-libs.
02:27Yes, it's poking fun at the king, especially in his later years, but it still shows reverence,
02:33and it definitely keeps audiences laughing.
02:35I've lived a life that's full, I've traveled each, and every boy who you're, who you would
02:45more, what's more than is, you'll win.
02:50Not many figures are as instantly recognizable as Mr. T, and Eddie Murphy's impression is a
03:11lightning-fast encapsulation of the tough guy persona that made T a pop culture icon.
03:16The character on the show ain't too bright, so I figured if he came up to me, I could
03:19use the Jedi mind trick on him.
03:22And Mr. T walk up and go, I heard you did some jokes about me.
03:24No, you didn't.
03:24Maybe I didn't.
03:25Murphy has delivered this impression to great effect on SNL and in his stand-up routines,
03:30all nailing the rugged and flashy actor's distinctive speech patterns, booming voice, and memorable
03:35catchphrases.
03:36I pity the people who don't watch my show.
03:37I pity the people who do watch my show.
03:39The humor lies in Murphy amplifying Mr. T's intensity to absurd yet affectionate extremes,
03:46combining exaggerated gestures, fierce expressions, and vocal mimicry.
03:50I never threaten nobody.
03:51I just fold my arms like this and glam to the camera.
03:54Watch.
03:55It turns an already larger-than-life personality into a side-splitting performance that audiences
04:00cannot get enough of.
04:02Number 7, Muhammad Ali.
04:04What's the story, Muhammad?
04:06I like your show.
04:07I admire your style.
04:09But you pay so cheap, I won't be back for a while.
04:12Eddie Murphy's impression of the legendary boxer Muhammad Ali not only highlights his
04:16sharp observational skills, but his physical comedy prowess as well.
04:20Showcased on Saturday Night Live, Murphy captures Ali's signature swagger, infamously rhythmic
04:25speech patterns, and playful taunting.
04:27He also incorporates Ali's fluid movements, quick jabs, and confident posturing, perfectly
04:32blending verbal wit with physical impersonation.
04:3532 demands ready for a rocket share.
04:37I guarantee the world.
04:38I'm gonna shock the world, prove the world.
04:39I'm the greatest fighter of all time.
04:41Also tackling a later-in-life Ali, Murphy's impression emphasizes the boxing great's imposing
04:46persona without resorting to parody alone.
04:48I'm the greatest fighter of all time.
04:50People saying, watch up, I'm old, I'm senile.
04:52How can you say that after all I've done for you?
04:54After all I've done for you, I made you, Cosell.
04:57It's more a celebration of the boxer's charm, wit, and confidence, delivered with the infectious
05:01energy only Murphy can provide.
05:04Number 6.
05:05Richard Pryor.
05:06I want to be Richard so bad, I used to go out on stage when I was 15 and talk and act
05:11and walk and do everything like Richard Pryor.
05:12Paying homage to another comedy legend, Eddie Murphy's Richard Pryor impression is an affectionate
05:17and spot-on tribute.
05:18I don't give a f***.
05:20Whatever the f*** make the people laugh, say that s***.
05:23I said, do the people laugh when you say what you say?
05:25I said, yes.
05:26He said, do you get paid?
05:27I said, yes.
05:28He said, well, tell Bill.
05:28I said, have a Coke and a smile and shut the f*** up.
05:30The impression captures Pryor's unique cadence, phrasing, and expressive delivery.
05:35Murphy has performed this impression in stand-up specials, highlighting Pryor's storytelling
05:39style, pauses, and ability to navigate humor with personal insight.
05:43You ever, like, sometime, right?
05:45You get on that toilet, and when you s***, that water splash up on your ass, don't
05:51that make you mad, right?
05:52The impression works because Murphy doesn't simply copy Pryor's voice.
05:56He recreates his entire stage presence, from subtle gestures to animated facial expressions.
06:02Audiences recognize the deep respect behind the humor, too, making it both hilarious and
06:06heartfelt.
06:07And you flush the toilet, and wait a second, and one chunk come back.
06:11Number 5.
06:12Buckwheat
06:12Eddie Murphy's impression of Buckwheat from The Little Rascals is a masterful blend of
06:22nostalgia, comedic exaggeration, and hilarious vocal impersonation.
06:26Take a listen.
06:33Unch, ties, feet times, I made it.
06:40Made famous on Saturday Night Live, Murphy embodies the lovable character's speech patterns,
06:45iconic mispronunciations, and awkward charm.
06:48He also exaggerates Buckwheat's mannerisms, such as head tilts, wide-eyed innocence, and
06:53hesitant hand gestures, turning the impression into a delightful comedic take.
06:57The humor shines through Murphy's ability to recreate a beloved childhood character with
07:01precision, adding his own energetic twist.
07:04It's a performance that balances affection and laughter.
07:07Take me from our dang.
07:08Your dang a nubbit.
07:10Buy my weapon.
07:11All time.
07:12And, well, audiences ate it up.
07:14Every single time.
07:16Number 4.
07:17Michael Jackson
07:18He went behind the door at first, because there was too many people.
07:21There was too many people in the room.
07:23He was hiding behind the door.
07:24I said, Eddie, come on.
07:25And I went behind the door, and then we were standing behind the door, and I was like,
07:28what the f*** is that?
07:31There's so many people in there.
07:33Eddie Murphy's Michael Jackson is a fan favorite for a reason.
07:36Frequently featured in stand-up specials and on SNL, Murphy captures Jackson's soft-spoken voice,
07:42unique vocal inflections, and delicate physicality, often parodying his signature dance moves.
07:47Thank you all.
07:47Um, I'd like to talk to you men out there for a moment.
07:51Not long ago, I wrote a song called Billie Jean, and I'm afraid it was misunderstood by everyone.
07:55A lot of people thought, I actually got a girl pregnant and then walked out on her.
07:58But believe me, nothing can be further from the truth.
08:01What makes this impression especially memorable is the comedian's ability to highlight Jackson's eccentricities
08:06in a playful, exaggerated way without crossing into mean-spirited parody.
08:11Bubbles had gotten too old.
08:13Bubbles was in a cage, like, tripping, like,
08:15and Michael's like, don't go near the cage.
08:17By blending his voice and gestures, Murphy delivers a multi-dimensional performance that is instantly recognizable,
08:23and perhaps most importantly, laugh-out-loud funny, earning applause from audiences on every occasion.
08:30But please don't let it get out of hand.
08:31Remember, nice boys don't get girls pregnant.
08:34Number 3. Stevie Wonder.
08:36I feel it is a tremendous honor to be recording with you.
08:39Few can capture the essence of Stevie Wonder quite like Eddie Murphy.
08:43His impression perfectly mirrors Wonder's distinctive vocal patterns,
08:47signature head nods, and effortlessly cool stage presence.
08:49And the winner of Stevie Wonder is Stevie Wonder.
08:51And I'd like to say that all the people in the world today are God's children.
09:00And if you just take the mother f***ing board and get the f*** out.
09:02Performed across sketch comedy bits and interviews galore,
09:05Murphy pairs vocal mimicry with expressive gestures,
09:08sometimes pretending to play piano or sing in Wonder's soulful style.
09:12Now something tells me that this is more than a song about playing the piano.
09:16Uh, Frank, it's about racial equality and unity of all people.
09:22The comedy really shines through in his exaggeration of idiosyncrasies,
09:26joyful humming, dynamic vocal slides, and gentle movements.
09:29We're talking salt and pepper, Sammy and Dean, Stevie and me are peachy king.
09:37Keeping the impression mostly affectionate,
09:40Murphy's ear and rhythm make this homage both hilarious and brilliantly accurate.
09:44Because if you don't say nothing, the credits will be rolling and Stevie going,
09:47and I'd like to think.
09:49Number 2. Bill Cosby.
09:51Eddie Murphy's take on Bill Cosby is nothing short of a masterclass.
09:55Did you put that pill in the chocolate?
09:57Now see, how you gonna ask me that I put the pill in the chocolate
10:00when you know that I put the pill in the chocolate?
10:03Also featured heavily in his stand-up specials and various talk shows,
10:07Murphy nails Cosby's distinctive voice, deliberate cadence, and animated facial expressions.
10:12Hello, Mr. Cosby, and you hear,
10:13I would like to talk to you
10:16about some of the things that you do in your show.
10:27The impression thrives on copying Cosby's storytelling style,
10:30with pauses for emphasis and playful exaggeration of everyday anecdotes.
10:34I would like to tell you a story.
10:37I have five children.
10:42One, two, three, four, five, five, five children.
10:46I live in Massachusetts with my wife Camille and my five children.
10:52What makes it irresistible is Murphy's balance of authenticity and exaggeration,
10:56turning subtle quirks like pauses, inflections, and gestures
10:59into instant comedy for audiences familiar with Cosby's iconic persona.
11:03That's what I'm talking about.
11:06You cannot say.
11:10F***.
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11:27Number 1. James Brown
11:29Sometimes I make me break out in a cold sweat.
11:31One, two, three, four.
11:33When Eddie Murphy channels James Brown, the results are pure high-octane energy.
11:38I met him once that Saturday Night Live.
11:40I walked up and said, James, I love your stuff.
11:41James is.
11:41I love your stuff.
11:44Famously showcased in the classic SNL hot tub sketch,
11:47Murphy proves he can easily capture Brown's gravelly voice and rhythmic patterns.
11:51And let's not forget those amazing signature dance moves.
12:02The brilliance of it all lies in Murphy's full-throttle commitment.
12:11By exaggerating the I Feel Good singer's intensity and flair while remaining musically authentic,
12:17Murphy delivers a performance that is as uproarious as it is awe-inspiring.
12:21Cementing it as an absolute fan-favorite impression that has stood the test of time.
12:30Tell us, what's your favorite Eddie Murphy impression?
12:33Did it make the list?
12:34Let us know in the comments down below.
12:35Bye.
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