Eddie Murphy has been married twice over the course of his decades-long career in Hollywood. While tabloid headlines frequently fixate on his large blended family and high-profile romances, the comedy icon's actual walk down the aisle has happened only twice: first with model Nicole Mitchell in 1993, and later with Australian model Paige Butcher in 2024. Beyond his legal marriages, Murphy's romantic history includes several long-term relationships, engagements, and ten children with five different mothers.
Understanding the actor's relationship history requires looking past the rumors and examining the official timeline. This breakdown details his legal marriages, his high-profile partnerships, and the evolution of his family life.
The Official Marriages of Eddie Murphy
Murphy's romantic life spans multiple decades in the public eye, but his formal marriages are limited to two major chapters separated by many years of dating and high-profile engagements.
Nicole Mitchell (1993–2006)
Eddie Murphy's first marriage was to fashion model Nicole Mitchell. The couple met in 1988 at an NAACP Image Awards show and dated for roughly five years before tying the knot in a lavish ceremony at the Plaza Hotel in New York City on March 18, 1993.
During their marriage, the couple welcomed five children together: Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella. After twelve years of marriage, Mitchell filed for divorce in August 2005, citing irreconcilable differences, and the divorce was finalized in April 2006. Despite the split, both parents remained dedicated to raising their children. You can read more about celebrity culture trends at E! Online.
Paige Butcher (2024–Present)
Following years of high-profile relationships and engagements, Murphy married Australian model Paige Butcher. The pair first crossed paths on the set of Big Momma's House 2 in 2006 and began dating formally in 2012.
After welcoming two children—Izzy Oona and Max Charles—the couple became engaged in September 2018. They quietly married on July 9, 2024, during a private ceremony in Anguilla, cementing Butcher as Murphy's second legal wife.
High-Profile Relationships and Engagements
Between his two marriages, Murphy experienced several intense, highly publicized relationships that frequently led to media confusion regarding his marital status.
- Tracey Edmonds (2008): Murphy began dating film producer Tracey Edmonds in 2006. They held a symbolic, non-legal marriage ceremony in Bora Bora on New Year's Day in 2008. Because they never filed legal paperwork to validate the marriage in the United States, they announced their separation just two weeks later, clarifying that they were never legally husband and wife.
- Mel B (2006–2007): Following his divorce from Nicole Mitchell, Murphy had a brief relationship with Melanie Brown (Mel B) of the Spice Girls. The relationship ended amid public disputes over paternity, though a blood test later confirmed Murphy as the father of their daughter, Angel Iris Murphy Brown.
- Early Relationships: Before his first marriage, Murphy welcomed children with Paulette McNeely (son Eric, born in 1989) and Tamara Hood (son Christian, born in 1990).
Frequently Asked Questions
How many children does Eddie Murphy have?
Eddie Murphy has 10 children shared with five different women. His children are Eric, Christian, Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, Bella, Angel, Izzy, and Max.
Was Eddie Murphy ever legally married to Tracey Edmonds?
No. While they held a commitment ceremony in Bora Bora in 2008, they never finalized legal marriage paperwork, meaning they split up before a formal union was established.
Is Eddie Murphy a grandfather?
Yes. Murphy's oldest son, Myles, welcomed a daughter with his wife Carly Fink in 2019, making the comedy legend a grandfather. Additional grandchildren have since expanded the family. Further updates on entertainment figures can be followed via Variety.
Who is Eddie Murphy's current spouse?
Murphy is currently married to model Paige Butcher. They married in July 2024 after a twelve-year relationship.
