Dave Chappelle paid tribute to his “Chappelle’s Show” collaborator and co-star Wednesday night.
The comedian showed up onstage at a John Mayer concert, where he took the mic to say a few words about Murphy, who died after a battle with leukemia earlier in the day.
“My good friend, Charlie Murphy, passed away this morning, and everybody in comedy is heartbroken,” Chappelle said.
The comedian then joined Mayer in a rendition of the singer’s song “You’re Gonna Live Forever in Me,” saying, “it reminds me of my friend.”
Murphy was instrumental in several of “Chappelle’s Show’s” most enduring sketches, including “Charlie Murphy’s True Hollywood Story” parodies of Rick James and Prince.
Chappelle said at the concert that while Prince said no to participating in his sketch – as James did in his – the “Purple Rain” singer admitted after seeing the show that he wished he had said yes.
Charlie Murphy, the older brother of comic legend Eddie Murphy, co-wrote some of his more famous sibling’s movies, including “Norbit” and “Vampire in Brooklyn.” But Charlie Murphy is arguably best known for his “C! True Hollywood Stories” sketches on Chappelle’s mid-2000s Comedy Central show.
“Rest in peace, Charlie Murphy,” Chappelle said. “We love you, we love your comedy, we love your stories, and we love your spirit.”
Comedy colleagues across the world also paid tribute to Murphy on Wednesday following news of the actor’s death.