When Martin Lawrence was a broke, hungry young comedian trying to make it in California, Eddie Murphy was already a god. What happened when Lawrence finally got close enough to ask for a photo - and what happened four decades later - is one of the most unlikely full-circle stories in Hollywood.

The Snub

Early in his career, Lawrence spotted Murphy backstage at an event in California. He talked his way past the security, walked up, and launched into his pitch. "Eddie Murphy, I'm Martin Lawrence. Brother, can I take a picture with you?" Murphy looked at him, cool as ever, looked him in the eyes, and said: "No."

Lawrence later told the story at Murphy's 2026 AFI Life Achievement Award ceremony. "My face was cracked," he said, drawing laughter from the packed Dolby Theatre. He had settled that night for a photo with Raw director Robert Townsend instead.

Their Children Changed Everything

The two went on to co-star in the 1999 film Life, and their professional respect deepened into friendship over the decades. Then, in November 2024, Murphy's son Eric Murphy - then 35 - proposed to Lawrence's daughter Jasmin Lawrence, 28.

The couple married quietly in May 2025, skipping the big ceremony in favor of just the two of them and a preacher. Eddie Murphy broke the news on The Jennifer Hudson Show, telling the host they had married about two weeks earlier and joking: "We're in-laws."

Shared Grandfathers

The story deepened further in early April 2026 when Eric and Jasmin welcomed their first child, a daughter named Ari Skye. Murphy confirmed her arrival at the 51st AFI Life Achievement Award gala on April 18, 2026. Martin Lawrence was in the building. The man who had once refused to take his photo was now his co-grandfather.

Lawrence Closed the Loop

At that same ceremony, Lawrence took the stage and told the snub story in full. The crowd roared. Then he turned toward Murphy in the audience and went quiet for a moment.

"You're my brother, my friend, and you are my in-law."

Murphy laughed and clapped. The AFI tribute special premiered on Netflix on May 31, 2026.

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