In an insightful interview with the New York Times' "The Interview" podcast, legendary comedian and actor Eddie Murphy opened up about a fateful encounter he had in the '80s with fellow comedians John Belushi and Robin Williams. Murphy revealed that Belushi and Williams had offered him cocaine, but he made the conscious decision to decline the drug, a choice he is grateful for to this day.

Recalling the incident, the 63-year-old star, known for his iconic roles in "Beverly Hills Cop" and "The Nutty Professor," shared that he was just 19 when he went to the Blues Bar with Belushi and Williams. He recounted how they started doing cocaine, but he decided it wasn't for him, stating, "I just wasn't interested in it." Murphy emphasized that his decision was not driven by a moral standpoint but rather a genuine lack of curiosity.

Reflecting on the consequences that fame can bring, Murphy named several artists, including Michael Jackson, Elvis Presley, John Belushi, and Robin Williams, as "cautionary tales." He expressed his belief that navigating fame, particularly for a young Black artist, can be akin to walking through a minefield, where any misstep can have dire consequences.

Discussing his journey in the entertainment industry, Murphy acknowledged that he feels fortunate to have come through unscathed. At the age of 63, he now realizes the significance of making it through the challenges that fame presents. He attributed this to a sense of providence, suggesting that someone or something may have been looking out for him.

Having been in the business for decades, with his debut on "Saturday Night Live" at just 19 years old, Murphy talked about his experience with fame and the pressures that come with it. Contrary to many in the industry, he disclosed that he never took up drinking and only tried marijuana at the age of 30.

Moreover, during the same interview, Murphy addressed his long-standing feud with comedian David Spade. The feud began after Spade made a joke about Murphy's career during a 1995 episode of "Saturday Night Live." Murphy expressed his disappointment, viewing the remark as a cheap shot and even felt it may have carried racial undertones.

As Eddie Murphy continues to create his comedic legacy, his reflections on his encounter with Belushi and Williams shed light on the challenges faced by artists in the spotlight. Through his own experiences, he offers insight into navigating fame and the importance of making choices that align with one's own values and aspirations.