Eddie Murphy is known around the world for his groundbreaking comedy, legendary film roles, and decades-long influence on Hollywood. But in his new Netflix documentary Being Eddie, the 64-year-old star shares a lesser-known and deeply personal side of his life: the private acts of generosity he carried out for several beloved entertainers after their deaths.

For the first time, Murphy speaks openly about quietly paying for the burials of musician Rick James and comedian Redd Foxx, as well as purchasing a proper tombstone for William “Buckwheat” Thomas Jr. from The Little Rascals.

Eddie Murphy Says He Paid to Bury Three Entertainment Icons

In Being Eddie, Murphy reflects on the unexpected responsibility he took on when three men he admired—and in some cases collaborated with—died without adequate financial arrangements for their burials.

“When Redd kicked out, I had to bury Redd. I had to bury Redd. I had to bury Rick. I bought Buckwheat a tombstone,” Murphy says in the documentary. “Buckwheat didn’t have no tombstone. I’m always burying these people.”

Murphy’s tone is matter-of-fact, but the story reveals the profound loyalty and respect he felt for the entertainers who paved the way for him.

Murphy Paid to Bury Redd Foxx After His Death in 1991

Redd Foxx, best known for Sanford and Son, died on October 11, 1991, at age 68 after suffering a heart attack. Murphy worked with Foxx on the 1989 crime-comedy Harlem Nights, alongside Richard Pryor, creating a bond that lasted long after filming ended.

Murphy explains in the documentary that he was shocked to learn Foxx didn’t have the funds to cover his own burial expenses—something that troubled him deeply.

“Redd was funny effortlessly. I loved Redd,” Murphy says. “To work with somebody you idolize… On the outside, I’m unflappable, but on the inside I was like, ‘Ahh!’”

Eddie Murphy Also Covered Rick James’ Funeral Costs

Singer-songwriter Rick James, known for the iconic 1981 song “Super Freak,” died on August 6, 2004, of heart failure at age 56. Murphy and James collaborated on Murphy’s hit 1985 single “Party All the Time,” which reached No. 2 on the Billboard Hot 100.

Their friendship went beyond the studio, and Murphy stepped in once again when James passed away.

Murphy Purchased a Tombstone for Buckwheat Actor William Thomas Jr.

William “Buckwheat” Thomas Jr.—a star of The Little Rascals—died on October 10, 1980, at age 49. Shockingly, the actor had no headstone for an entire year after his death. Murphy was stunned that such an iconic childhood figure had been left without a proper grave marker.

On the first anniversary of Thomas’ passing, Murphy paid tribute to him in another way as well: by debuting his famous Buckwheat impersonation on Saturday Night Live, a character that quickly became one of his most popular impressions.

Murphy Questions Why So Many Artists Die Without Support

Reflecting on these situations, Murphy expresses disbelief that some well-known entertainers spend their lives in the public eye but leave behind no resources—or family members—to handle end-of-life arrangements.

“It tripped me out,” he says. “These people, you… show business and all that, and then when they pass away, there’s not even the money to bury these people? Where are their families? Where are these people?”

Murphy Says He’s Paid for Many Funerals — But Avoids Attending Them

In a separate interview with USA Today, Murphy explained that while he has covered burial costs for several individuals, he rarely attends the services.

“I’ve paid for a lot of funerals, but I don’t go to funerals,” he says. The only funerals he has attended were for his father, Charles Edward Murphy, and his stepfather, Vernon Lynch.

‘Being Eddie’ Offers a Rare Look at His Heroes and Career

Being Eddie, directed by Angus Wall, features appearances from Chris Rock, Dave Chappelle, Arsenio Hall, Kevin Hart, Jerry Seinfeld, Jamie Foxx, Kenan Thompson, Pete Davidson, Tracy Morgan, Tracee Ellis Ross, and more.

The documentary highlights Murphy’s extraordinary 50-year career, exploring how he broke barriers, redefined genres, and influenced generations of comedians and performers.

Murphy also reflects on his experiences working alongside heroes like Redd Foxx, Della Reese, and Richard Pryor while filming Harlem Nights—a dream fulfilled for the young comedian who once idolized them from afar.

Being Eddie is now streaming on Netflix.