5 Things You Didn’t Know About Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence’s Friendship

Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence aren’t just two of the funniest people in Hollywood—they’re two of the closest. Their friendship has stood strong for decades, filled with laughs, respect, and some legendary movie moments. But there’s so much more to their bond than just working together.

These two comedy icons share a connection that goes beyond the spotlight. From their early days hustling as stand-up comedians to becoming household names, they’ve leaned on each other through it all.

And now, their lives are even more intertwined thanks to a surprising family twist that no one saw coming. So, here are five things you probably didn’t know about their amazing friendship.

1. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Have Been Friends Since the 90s

Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence first worked together in the early 1990s, and their connection has been strong ever since. The duo’s first movie together was the romantic comedy Boomerang in 1992. Murphy played Marcus Graham, a charming but shallow advertising executive who struggles to settle down.

Lawrence played his funny and loyal friend Tyler, who kept things real and often called Marcus out on his behavior. They worked together again in 1999’s Life, a comedy-drama about two men wrongfully convicted of murder.

The stars’ hilarious banter as Ray and Claude made the movie a hit. Over time, their on-screen chemistry turned into a real-life friendship that has stood the test of time.

2. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Are Soon to Be In-Laws

Murphy’s son, Eric Murphy, and Lawrence’s daughter, Jasmin Lawrence, are in a relationship! The two went public with their romance in July 2021 when Jasmin shared a sweet birthday post for Eric on Instagram. “I’m so blessed to know you, to love you, and to have you by my side,” she wrote.

Eric responded with his own heartfelt Instagram post, calling himself “head over heels” in love. Fans couldn’t get enough of this love story, especially since it links two legendary comedy families.

3. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence Stay Out of Their Kids’ Love Life

Even though their children are dating, Murphy and Lawrence are letting them handle their relationship on their own. Lawrence talked about this during an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in 2022. He said:

We kind of stay out of their business and let them do their own thing and respect their thing.

But, of course, the actor couldn’t resist joking about the future, saying he would “try to get Eddie to pay for the wedding” if Eric and Jasmin decide to tie the knot. Murphy also took the banter in stride, telling CBS:

If they ever get married and have a child, I’m expecting the child to be funny.

Considering their family genes, the chances of that are pretty high!

4. Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence’s Friendship Fueled by Shared Backgrounds

Both Eddie Murphy and Martin Lawrence came from humble beginnings, which is a big reason why they clicked. Murphy’s father passed away when he was young, leaving his mother, Lillian Murphy, to raise him and his brother. He shared this during a 1989 interview with Rolling Stone (via Atlanta Black Star):

My mother and father broke up when I was three and he died when I was eight.

Lawrence also grew up in a single-parent household after his parents split when he was eight. Shared struggles made their connection deeper—and relatable. Plus, they both started as stand-up comedians hustling in the comedy scene.

Murphy’s Raw and Delirious were legendary, while Lawrence’s You So Crazy had people quoting him for years. That grind, those late-night gigs, and the pressure to make people laugh? It created a bond that went beyond jokes.

5. Eddie Murphy’s New Project with Martin Lawrence Might Be Coming

The two might have another collaboration in the works, and it sounds incredible! At the Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F premiere, Murphy dropped hints about remaking the classic comedy It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World. He told ET:

I got this other idea for something with Martin. I’ve been developing it for years. Did you ever see a movie It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World? Well, I got a script, it will be delivered any minute now written by Jez Butterworth and I’m trying to do a remake of that movie.

For those not in the know, this 1963 film is about a chaotic treasure hunt with an insane all-star cast. The 63-year-old plans to bring it back, but bigger and better. Murphy teased:

Anybody that was funny over the last 30 years is going to be in this movie.

While he didn’t name names, it’s easy to imagine a star-studded cast featuring comedians like Kevin Hart, Tiffany Haddish, and, of course, Martin Lawrence. If this project moves forward, it’s sure to be a must-watch for comedy lovers everywhere.