One of Eddie Murphy's most famous quotes, as Entertainment.ie notes, is based around his financial attitude. The comedian admitted, "Every bad decision I've made has been based on money. I grew up in the projects and you don't turn down money there. You take it, because you never know when it's all going to end." He was one of the biggest stars of the '80s, releasing 48 Hrs., Trading Places, and Beverly Hills Cop in quick succession before going gold with his comedy album, Eddie Murphy: Comedian, for which Murphy also won an Emmy.

As The Atlantic notes, Murphy is completely self-made, having landed at SNL without an agent or any work experience. Even amidst some of his flops, such as the execrable Norbit, Murphy has consistently proven his worth, as with 1999's hilarious Bowfinger (in which he played two roles, once again) and in 2006's Dreamgirls, for which he won a Golden Globe.