Back in the early ’90s, Eddie Murphy had a decision that could’ve completely changed the course of his career. He was offered a serious, dramatic role — playing author Alex Haley in a film about The Autobiography of Malcolm X.

And let’s be honest: that’s a heavy, historic part. Not your usual Eddie Murphy comedy flick.

A Call to a Legend

Before jumping in, Eddie did what any smart actor would do — he called someone who’d walked that road before: Sidney Poitier, one of the most respected names in film history.

What Sidney told him? It wasn’t sugar-coated.

“You’re not Denzel. You’re not Morgan. You’re Eddie — a breath of fresh air. Don’t mess with that.”

At first, Eddie wasn’t sure how to take it. Was it a compliment? A warning? Maybe a bit of both.

The Power of Knowing Who You Are

But after thinking it over, Eddie got it. Sidney wasn’t saying he couldn’t act — far from it. He was reminding him of what made him special. Eddie Murphy wasn’t just another actor; he was a generational talent with his own brand of charisma and comedy that had already changed the game for Black entertainers in Hollywood.

He didn’t need to prove anything by stepping into a role that didn’t fit his voice.

What Happened Next

Eddie turned the role down — and the film went on with Denzel Washington taking center stage as Malcolm X. The rest, of course, is history. Denzel’s performance was unforgettable, earning an Oscar nomination and critical acclaim.

Denzel Washington et Spike Lee sur le tournage de Inside Man (2006) pic.twitter.com/u79oTGXqGl

— Ttamttam (@ttam_ttam_) April 5, 2025

As for Eddie? He stayed in his lane — and owned it. From The Nutty Professor to Coming to America to Dreamgirls, he built a legacy on doing things his way.

It’s a reminder for all of us: Just because an opportunity looks big doesn’t mean it’s yours. Sometimes, greatness comes from knowing who you are — and having the courage to stick with it.