Eddie Murphy, the acclaimed actor and comedian, recently revisited his experiences in “The Nutty Professor” films during a conversation with Keke Palmer on “The Jennifer Hudson Show.” Much of the conversation focused on Murphy’s performance as Sherman Klump. He stars as a meek, lovelorn and portly professor who invents a self-dropping chemical, leading to many funny and poignant scenes as he morphs into his smooth but obnoxious alter ego.
One of Jerry Lewis’s most popular movies, “The Nutty Professor,” debuted in 1996. This film was an adaptation of the 1963 Jerry Lewis classic, which was well-loved. It captured the imagination of audiences and established a new defining role for Murphy, who deftly inhabited the body and voices of multiple characters. The sequel, “Nutty Professor 2: The Klumps,” was released in 2000 and grossed an impressive $166 million globally. This sequel arrived shortly after the introduction of Viagra, which sparked discussions about masculinity and self-image, particularly through humorous scenes involving Murphy’s character’s family dynamics.
Murphy noted how he feels a deep connection with his roles in these films, stating, “I think if I could only take one movie to represent me, I would take Nutty Professor.” He elaborated on the emotional range displayed in the films, emphasizing that they encapsulate “all bases: drama, comedy, family — even some trauma.”
In Nutty Professor 2, there’s a great scene that’s both hilarious and bittersweet. Murphy’s character’s father gets some hilarious advice for dealing with impotence—he needs to take Viagra. Reflecting on this moment, Murphy remarked, “You know what I like in Nutty Professor 2? The relationship between his parents, cause his father is impotent. He can’t get there. So I have that whole thing where she’s like, ‘Why don’t you take some Viagra?’”
Actress Keke Palmer further reflected Murphy’s thoughts, mentioning the film’s richness and its discussion of serious topics mixed with comedy. She added, “I mean, Nutty Professor was trying to get over some stuff.”
Murphy combines side-splitting humor with emotional story arcs. This special talent range combined to make his performances legendary in franchises such as “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Shrek,” and “Doctor Dolittle.” In genre circles, his behind-the-scenes work in the “Nutty Professor” series is remembered as an important contribution to his career.
Murphy is a constant presence at premieres and public events. On the first quarter of 2023, he is still shining like the brightest entertainment in industries. His reflections on “The Nutty Professor” films serve as a testament to their lasting impact on both audiences and his artistic journey.
“This is a strange place to be in right now.” – Eddie Murphy
