Charlie Murphy loses leukemia battle, dies at 57

Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s younger brother who made a comedy career for himself, died today after losing his battle with leukemia.

Charlie Murphy could have fallen into the trap of simply being a younger brother of a comedy legend, and coasting on his older brother’s success. Instead, he carved a successful career for himself, and at times, was funnier than his brother, Eddie.

Now, however, the world of comedy has lost yet another great one, as TMZ reports that he has died today at the age of 57.

Murphy was undergoing chemotherapy treatments at a New York City hospital when he passed away.

In addition to making a name for himself on Chappelle’s Show, Charlie also wrote some of Eddie Murphy’s best-known and best-loved comedy films, including Norbit and Vampire in Brooklyn.

This is quite the tragedy to befall the family of Charlie Murphy, as his wife, Tisha Taylor Murphy, died in 2009 from cervical cancer. Murphy leaves behind two children that he had with Tisha and another child from a previous relationship.

Almost immediately, the tributes to the comedian began pouring in. Travon Free, who is best known for his work on Full Frontal with Samantha Bee, said that Murphy’s skits were legendary.

Chance the Rapper said that he was already missed.

And Philip Lewis, front page editor for The Huffington Post, simply posted an RIP with a much-beloved skit.

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Our thoughts are with the family of Charlie Murphy at this undoubtedly difficult time. Rest in peace, sir, and may you make the angels in Heaven laugh as hard as you made us laugh.