Eddie Murphy recently shared a fascinating anecdote about a memorable conversation he had with the legendary Marlon Brando. During an appearance on The New York Times podcast The Interview, Murphy recounted an intriguing visit to Brando’s home following his breakout role in the 1982 film 48 Hrs..
Murphy, 63, revealed that Brando expressed his disdain for Clint Eastwood during their conversation. “This is how long ago it was: He was going, ‘I can’t stand that kid with the gun.’ I was like, ‘What kid with the gun?’ He said, ‘He’s on the poster!'” Murphy recalled. “I was like, ‘Clint Eastwood?’ ‘Yeah, that guy!’ He was calling Clint Eastwood ‘that kid.'”
Interestingly, Brando, who passed away in 2004 at the age of 80, was only six years older than Eastwood, who celebrated his 94th birthday in May.
Meeting Brando at his home marked the second time the two had hung out. Murphy recounted their first encounter at a rooftop restaurant at the L’Ermitage luxury hotel in Los Angeles. Reflecting on these experiences, Murphy expressed awe at the fact that such iconic figures wanted to spend time with him. “I was having these famous people that I grew up watching on television wanting to have a meal with me,” he said. “After 48 Hrs., Marlon Brando calls my agent and wants to meet me.”
Murphy shared that during their second meeting, he couldn’t stop praising Brando’s work in The Godfather. However, Brando downplayed his achievements. “He was like, ‘Eh, The Godfather.’ Not just The Godfather—acting,” Murphy explained. “He was like, ‘Acting is bulls—, and everybody can act.'”
Brando, a two-time Oscar winner known for his extraordinary acting talent and controversial moments, is set to be portrayed by Billy Zane in the upcoming biopic Waltzing with Brando. The film will explore Brando’s environmental advocacy and his efforts to create sustainable architecture on his private island of Tetiaroa in 1970.
Zane, 58, shared behind-the-scenes glimpses of the film on his Instagram, describing it as “the true story of Marlon as the ‘Godfather’ of the environmental movement.” Directed and co-written by Bill Fishman, the movie will reimagine scenes from The Godfather and Last Tango In Paris. The star-studded cast includes Tia Carrere, Richard Dreyfuss, Jon Heder, Alaina Huffman, and Rob Corddry.
Murphy’s recollection of his time with Brando offers a rare glimpse into the interactions between two Hollywood legends, showcasing the unexpected and human side of iconic personalities.
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