We don’t care what anyone says, Norbit is a classic! While it found its place as a cult favorite among fans, critics tore it apart when it premiered in 2007, so much so that Murphy not only won Razzies for Worst Actor and Worst Actress (for his portrayal of multiple characters), but was also hit with the title of Worst Actor of the Decade.
Now, Eddie Murphy is setting the record straight.
In a recent interview with Complex, the comedy legend reflected on his career’s highs and lows, sharing what he considers his “Mount Rushmore” of Eddie Murphy films, Coming to America, The Nutty Professor, Shrek, and Dreamgirls, while also admitting there are a few projects that missed the mark.
“Pluto Nash, Holy Man…But I like Norbit.”
Murphy, who co-wrote the film with his late brother Charlie Murphy, revealed that part of the backlash had more to do with timing than with the movie itself.
“Norbit came out right after I got the Oscar nomination [for Dreamgirls], so there were articles like, ‘How can he get an Oscar, he did this!’” Murphy recalled. “I wrote Norbit with my brother Charlie, and we think Norbit is funny.”
And as for the infamous Razzie wins? Murphy isn’t holding back on how he feels about them.
“When it came out, it got voted for Razzies for Worst Actor of the Decade, Worst Actor, and Worst Actress… I was like, come on, the shit ain’t that bad! They was just hating on a n*gga.”
Despite the critical panning, Norbit was a box office success, grossing nearly $160 million worldwide. And for many fans, the outrageous characters, over-the-top humor, and Murphy’s willingness to push comedic boundaries are exactly what make it a classic in their eyes.
