Eddie Murphy skips award shows for the same reason he avoids funerals. His tendency to absorb the vibes of a space leaves him susceptible to others’ emotions.
He’s always been able to “read a room,” Murphy tells USA TODAY. In Netflix’s “Being Eddie” documentary (streaming Nov. 12), Murphy reflects on his career spanning more than four decades. The 64-year-old suspects he’s an empath.
“That’s one of the reasons why I don’t go to award shows and stuff, the feeling of being in a room full of famous people who all want win some trophy, that feeling is such a s—– feeling,” he says with a laugh. “Everybody’s dressed and acting and fake … just being in a room full of famous people is just a weird − I don’t like it.”
Murphy spurred headlines in 2007 when he left the Academy Awards right after losing best supporting actor. “Murphy Storms Out Of Oscars After Losing,” HuffPost reported. “Eddie Murphy Loses Oscar, Bolts From Show” Fox News wrote. Murphy, nominated for his role as singer James “Thunder” Early in “Dreamgirls,” lost to Alan Arkin for his portrayal of the encouraging grandpa in “Little Miss Sunshine.”
Murphy addresses the 2007 Oscars in “Being Eddie,” explaining that he would’ve preferred to take the hit on the chin at home.
“ I’ve always liked to stay around the house,” Murphy tells USA TODAY. “The people I know that do stand-up comedy … they do it because they love it. They love it. They get something from getting on that stage and feeling the energy and all, and I’m the exact opposite.
“My batteries get recharged in a quiet setting when I’m at home, or I’m somewhere where everything can slow down, that’s where I get energized. The crowd saps my energy.”
