I remember when I was going into middle school when I first watched Chappelle's show. The funny sketches from comedian Dave Chappelle and his cast and crew were gut-wrenchingly hilarious. From skits such as Clayton Bigsby, Black White-Supremacist to the Niggar family, a Caucasian family with the last name, 'Niggar'; Chappelle’s Show certainly pushed the boundaries of what is funny versus what is controversial in each one of their episodes. However, one of my most favorite skits featured an actor that was new to me, Charlie Murphy, Charlie Murphy was the subject on a Chappelle's Show series called Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Stories. The skit has 2 ‘episodes’ and are shown in an interview like format. Charlie Murphy shares his interactions between two celebrities, both played by Dave Chappelle. In one series, Charlie Murphy interacts with Prince and in another, he interacts with Rick James. These sketches are considered to be the catalyst of Murphy's fame and prominence.

The one with Prince was a bit slow given Prince’s deadpan humor but got more interesting when Prince challenged Charlie Murphy and his crew to a Basketball game known as ‘Shirts vs Blouses’. That one Featured Charlie Murphy and a make-up covered Dave Chappelle as Prince.

Out of the two skits, I like the Rick James skit because of Charlie’s vivid recollections and Chappelle's outrageous performance as Rick James coining various catchphrases such as “I’m Rick James B*tch”, “F*ck yo couch, N***a”, and, “Cocaine is a hell of a drug”. This sketch also featured Rick James himself recollecting his past experiences.

After acting in sketch comedy, Murphy wrote movies his brother starred in such as Norbit and Vampire & Brooklyn. Charlie Murphy also went on to star in shows such as the Boondocks, Wild N’ Out, and 1000 Ways to Die. Recently, he played Vic on the live-action show Black Jesus.

Charlie Murphy, was born on July, 12, 1959 in Brooklyn growing in a rough area. After getting arrested and spending 10 months in jail during his teen years, he decided to enlist in the Navy working as a Boiler Technician. After the military, he had some minor roles in film during the 80s and 90s. After small roles in film, he became featured in Chappelle's show as an actor in his skits and on other television shows as well. Shortly after Chappelle’s Show unexpected cancellation, Murphy occasionally did stand-up comedy, writing, and producing.

Unfortunately, this past week, Charlie Murphy died from complications of Leukemia at the age of 57. Charlie Murphy’s death was a sad day for the comedy and stand-up community. People such as Dave Chappelle and John Mayer came to remember him during a John Mayer show in Ohio. People would remember his words and voice being filled with laughter and happiness. Charlie is survived by his 2 children. His wife passed in 2009.

Rest in peace, Charlie Murphy. You will be missed.