Comedian Charlie Murphy dead at 57

Pic Courtesy: Movie Still

Los Angeles: US comedian and actor Eddie Murphy's older brother, Charlie Murphy, has died of leukaemia at the age of 57. According to Charlie's manager, he died from leukaemia Wednesday morning in a New York City hospital, reported TMZ.

Charlie was perhaps best-known for his appearances on Dave Chappelle's show. The popular stand-up comic co-wrote and appeared in some of his brother's starring films, including "Norbit" and "Vampire in Brooklyn".

Charlie entered the industry after working as a bodyguard for Eddie at the beginning of his career. In 2005, he starred in "King's Ransom" as a gay ex-con, who is hired by King (Anderson) to kidnap him in a fake kidnapping.

Several celebrities like Chris Rock, Kevin Hart, Zendaya, Debra Lee, Gabrielle Union and Spike Lee paid tribute to the comedian on Twitter.

"We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time. Charlie Murphy RIP," Chris tweeted. Hart wrote, "Wow... This is crazy. All I can say is RIP. Thank you for not only being a friend but for believing in me when I was young in this comedy game. I'm lucky to have known you and I'm even luckier to be able to say that I was a friend."

Zendaya posted, "Rest In Peace to the legend that is Charlie Murphy, thank you for always bringing us joy and laughter." "Charlie Murphy was such a kind, sweet, funny man. Damn. Incredible talent, even better man. RIP," Union wrote.

Spike shared, "My Late Brother-The Very Funny Charlie Murphy. This Picture Is From JUNGLE FEVER, Charlie Was Also In MO' BETTER BLUES Too. Rest In Power."

Debra wrote, "RIP Charlie Murphy. A true talent. You will be miss!" Charlie's wife, Tisha Taylor Murphy, died in 2009 from cervical cancer. They shared two children, and the comedian also had another child from a previous relationship.