Touching reason why Dave Chappelle wants Eddie Murphy for 'Chappelle's Show'

Bryan Alexander, USA TODAYMon, April 20, 2026 at 8:01 PM UTC

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LOS ANGELES — Dave Chappelle is looking to reboot "Chappelle's Show" and wants Eddie Murphy to come along for the ride.

Chappelle, 52, made an emotional appeal directly to Murphy from the stage of the "Beverly Hills Cop" star's American Film Institute's Life Achievement Award at the Dolby Theater on Saturday, April 18. Chappelle asked Murphy to step into the proposed project for his older brother, Charlie Murphy, who died in 2017 at age 57.

Charlie Murphy was an actor and writer on the acclaimed sketch show, which ran on Comedy Central from 2003-06.

"Eddie, if I do it, do the Charlie parts. And let's f------ go," Chappelle said as the Dolby Theatre crowd roared and Murphy, 65, stood in acknowledgment of the offer. USA TODAY has reached out to Murphy's media representative for further comment.

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Dave Chappelle appealed to Eddie Murphy to join a new "Chappelle's Show" at the "51st AFI Lifetime Achievement Award: A Tribute Celebrating Eddie Murphy" at the Dolby Theatre on April 18.

Chappelle said Charlie Murphy would always speak glowingly of his superstar younger brother while making the show two decades ago.

"I just want you to know, man, every time he mentioned you, (Charlie) always said how proud he was of you," Chappelle said, speaking directly to Murphy who was seated prominently in the audience. "And Charlie meant the world to everyone on the set."

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Chappelle referenced a recent media interview "that made headlines" where he seriously talked about bringing back "Chappelle's Show." The original production abruptly ended during the third season, in 2005, when Chappelle left the series.

"'Chappelle's Show' was a very difficult thing to do," Chappelle said, still speaking to Murphy. "But it was one of the greatest experiences of my life. And one of the reasons it was great was your brother, Charlie."

Chappelle said during his speech that he had visited Murphy at his home on April 4, not knowing it was the day after the "Trading Places" star's 65th birthday.

"Me and Eddie, for the first time, talked about Charlie," said Chappelle. The conversation moved to "Chappelle's Show" with Murphy suggesting "a movie or something." Chappelle recalled saying at the time "it would be tough" to do without Charlie.

In addition to Chappelle, fellow omics Chris Rock, Martin Lawrence, Kevin Hart, Tracy Morgan, "Coming to America" costar Arsenio Hall, "Saturday Night Live" star Kenan Thompson and Bill Burr paid respects to Murphy at the AFI gala. Netflix CEO Ted Sarandos was in the audience for the AFI tribute, which will run on the streaming giant on May 31. Netflix has been the home for many of Chappelle's often controversial stand-up specials.

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Eddie Murphy accepted his AFI Lifetime Achievement Award at Dolby Theatre on April 18, 2026, in Los Angeles. See which stars turned out to celebrate his big night.

Chappelle said he's always looked at Murphy as a hero growing up, watching 1987's comedy special "Eddie Murphy Raw" at age 14 "every day after school."

"You were the hero that I worried about," said Chappelle, who referred to Murphy as a groundbreaking survivor. "Man, when you came up it looked lonely. It was you, Michael Jackson, Rick James and Prince, all of whom are deceased. And yet somehow you have survived."

This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Dave Chappelle pitches Eddie Murphy on 'Chappelle's Show' project

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