Charles Quinton ‘Charlie’ Murphy is an American actor, comedian and writer with an extraordinary legacy behind him. Charles Murphy died at 57 after a long battle with leukemia, an illness he kept so secret he didn’t even tell his co-stars on ‘Power’. The actor who was a brother to the world-famous comedian Eddie Murphy became popular for his role in writing and performing for “Chappelle’s Show“. Before his death, on April 12, 2017, Charlie had lost his wife, Tisha Taylor Murphy, with whom he has two kids to cervical cancer.

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Charlie showcased his comedic talents on the comedy central show and also worked as a writer on his brother’s films including ‘Vampire in Brooklyn‘ and ‘Norbit‘. In 1998, he showed interest in music by producing for the hip-hop group K-9 Posse and also performed in a music video for the group’s debut album ‘This Beat Is Military‘. In an interview with VladTV in 2012, Murphy reveals always wanting to be a rapper in his youth.  Reminiscing how he was mentioned by many as being too old for hip-hop at 28 years old, after which he goes ahead to advise his viewers, “Learn from my mistakes. Do not allow people to tell you what you can or can’t do”.

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Murphy’s breakthrough was on ‘Chappelle’s Show‘ (2003-2006) where he performed alongside fellow comedians Donnell Rawlings and Dave Chapel; he always maintained his love for the show. When asked by Comedy Central what his favorite sketch is, he picked the very one that shot him to stardom: The Rick James sketch. Outside his major roles, he provided voice work for cartoons networks The Boondocks where he played Ed Wuncler III and also the voice for a pimp named Jizzy B. in the video game Grand Theft Auto: San-Andreas. His first standup special, Charlie Murphy: I Will Not Apologize, premiered on Comedy Central in February 2017.

The news of Charlie’s demise came as a huge shock to his fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry. He left quite a positive mark on the lives of many people, and his eccentric personality will not be forgotten in a long while. His last tweet reads: “One to Sleep On: Release the past to rest as deeply as possible.”

So many celebrities have stepped forward to talk about the invaluable role Charlie Murphy has played in their lives and also tweet their condolences.

Ice Cube, his friend and co-star, from “Are We There Yet?” writes on Twitter:

ICE CUBE

Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy. He took a chance as a young director at The Player’s Club. Always made me laugh. RIP.

Damn, sorry to hear about my friend Charlie Murphy. He took a chance on a young director in The Player's Club. Alwa… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…—
Ice Cube (@icecube) April 12, 2017

— Ice cube (@icecube) April 12, 2017.

NEAL BRENNAN

Charlie Murphy changed my life. One of the most original people I’ve ever met. Hilarious dude. Habitual Line Stepper. So sad.

Charlie Murphy changed my life. One of the most original people I've ever met. Hilarious dude. Habitual Line Steppe… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…—
Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) April 12, 2017

— Neal Brennan (@nealbrennan) April 12, 2017.

CHRIS ROCK

We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time. Charlie Murphy RIP.

We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP. https://t.co/AAwItp5AJC—
Chris Rock (@chrisrock) April 12, 2017

— Chris rock (@chrisrock) April 12, 2017.

DL HUGHLEY

After every gig, he rushed home to be with his kids. He died with gigs on the books. #RIP #mybrotha #charliemurphy #CGD.

After every gig, he rushed home to be with his kids. He died with gigs on the books. #RIP #mybrotha #charliemurphy… twitter.com/i/web/status/8…—
DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) April 12, 2017

— DL Hughley (@RealDLHughley) April 12, 2017.

GABRIELLE UNION

Charlie Murphy was such a kind, sweet, funny man. Damn. Incredible talent, even better man. RIP ❤.

— Gabrielle Union(@itsgabrielleu) April 12, 2017.

The Department of Defense also paid tribute to Murphy for his service to the US Navy:

U.S DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE

Fair winds & following seas to @UsNavy veteran & comedian @CharlieMurphy who lost his battle with leukemia today at the age of 57. #RIP

—U. S Dept. of Defense (@DeptofDefense) April 12, 2017