Overview
- In the Netflix documentary, Murphy says he covered burial costs for Redd Foxx and Rick James and purchased a headstone for William (Billie) Thomas Jr.
- He recounts that Thomas, who played Buckwheat in the Our Gang shorts, had no grave marker until Murphy funded one, and Thomas is buried in Inglewood, California.
- Murphy frames the gestures through personal ties, describing Foxx as a mentor and James as a close friend and collaborator on his 1985 single “Party All the Time.”
- He tells USA Today he has paid for many funerals but generally does not attend services, calling the ritual emotionally overwhelming.
- Being Eddie is now streaming on Netflix, and outlets including People and the Cleveland Plain Dealer have reported his on-camera statements.