A masterclass in legacy.
Image: The Hollywood Reporter
When Being Eddie dropped on Netflix this month, I don’t think any of us were ready for the wave of nostalgia, pride, and reflection that came with it. Watching Eddie Murphy walk through his own timeline — from the loud, funny kid from Roosevelt, NY to one of Hollywood’s most bankable and beloved stars — feels like watching a blueprint for what Black excellence looks like when the world finally gets out of the way.
But beyond the laughs and legendary moments, Being Eddie is about something bigger: legacy — and how one man’s courage to show up unapologetically created pathways for generations of Black actors, comedians, and creatives to step into their own light.
The Original Game Changer
Eddie wasn’t just funny. He was fearless.
At 19, he joined Saturday Night Live and changed the entire rhythm of the show. His characters — from Gumby to Mr. Robinson — didn’t just entertain, they disrupted. He brought the Black experience to America’s living rooms with sharp wit and confidence at a time when it wasn’t common to see us like that on TV.
Then came Delirious. Raw. Beverly Hills Cop. Coming to America. Eddie didn’t just star in movies — he carried them. He made studios money, broke barriers, and showed that a Black man could headline global blockbusters.
Every time he took center stage, he widened the lane for those coming next — from Chris Rock and Martin Lawrence to Kevin Hart and Tiffany Haddish.
That’s impact. That’s legacy.
Being Eddie Shows Us the Man Behind the Magic
The Netflix documentary peels back the laughter and gives us a glimpse of the human behind the humor. We see Eddie as a father, a friend, and a man who knows exactly what it means to carry history on his back.
In one of the most powerful moments, he says something like: “After me, the floodgates opened.”
And he’s right. He didn’t just make people laugh — he made people believe.
For every kid who saw themselves in his confidence, every dreamer who thought Hollywood had no space for them, Eddie’s success whispered: You belong here too.
Why This Matters Right Now
In a time when our culture moves at the speed of TikTok trends and headlines fade fast, Being Eddie is a reminder to pause and honor the ones who made space for us.
Eddie Murphy didn’t have a blueprint. He became the blueprint.
That’s why celebrating Black legacy isn’t just nostalgia — it’s necessary. It’s how we stay connected to the roots of our creativity, resilience, and brilliance. Because when we forget who opened the doors, we risk closing them for the next generation.
Where 3E Connections Comes In
At 3E Connections, we live by three words: Educate. Elevate. Empower.
It’s not just a tagline — it’s our mission.
When we tell stories — whether it’s a city’s redevelopment journey, a small business breakthrough, or a brand that’s ready to make an impact — we’re continuing that same tradition of legacy building.
We’re shining light on people and places that deserve to be seen.
We’re creating pathways through storytelling.
We’re amplifying Black voices and community stories that inspire others to dream bigger.
Because legacy doesn’t only live on screens — it lives in strategy, in communication, and in connection.
Final Thoughts: Keep the Door Open
Watching Being Eddie isn’t just entertainment — it’s a reminder that visibility is power.
Eddie Murphy didn’t wait for permission to be great. He built his own stage and invited us all to laugh, think, and rise with him. That’s the kind of energy we carry forward at 3E Connections — making sure every story we tell leaves the door open for someone else to walk through.
So, this week, watch Being Eddie. Reflect. Celebrate.
And then ask yourself: Whose legacy are you building?