‘They Won’t Know’: Eddie Murphy Spills the Bizarre Tip James Brown Gave Him to Keep the Government from ‘Taking’ His Money

In the Apple TV+ documentary “Number One on the Call Sheet,” which debut on March 28, Eddie Murphy recounts a memorable piece of financial advice from legendary singer James Brown.

“Number One on the Call Sheet” is a two-part docuseries on Apple TV+ that explores the contributions of Black leading men and women in Hollywood, featuring interviews and insights from stars like Murphy, Will Smith, and Jamie Foxx, among others.

Odd Money Advise from James Brown

In 2006, Murphy played James “Thunder” Early in the film “Dreamgirls” — he was nominated for an Oscar for his performance — in a role loosely based on Brown. Brown thought that Murphy could tone down the language. Brown advised Murphy to “stop cursing” to ensure longevity in the entertainment industry.

“James Brown told me, he asked me, he told me I should stop cursing. He said, ‘You want to be in this business for a long time, you should stop that cursing,’” the 63-year-old Murphy recalled.

Brown then inquired about Murphy’s finances, asking, “You think you got a million dollars?”

When Murphy, who today has a net worth of $200 million, said he did, Brown responded, “You ain’t got no million dollars. If you do got a million dollars, you take it and you bury it in the woods.”

Confused, Murphy questioned the rationale behind burying money.

Brown explained, “The government will take it from you. So bury it.”

Murphy asked, “But can’t the government take your land?”

Brown answered, “But they won’t know where the money is.” ​

Murphy didn’t say if he took Brown’s advice — then again, that would defeat the purpose.

In the same documentary, Murphy shared career advice from Sidney Poitier, who cautioned him against taking dramatic roles, emphasizing, “You are not Denzel, and you are not Morgan. You are a breath of fresh air, and don’t f— with that!”