Eddie Murphy’s older brother, comedian Charlie Murphy, has died of leukemia at the age of 57.

Charlie Murphy died on April 12 in hospital in New York, TMZ quoted his manager.

He starred on Dave Chappelle’s show and also appeared in movies including Jungle Fever, Night at the Museum and Lottery Ticket.

Image source Wikimedia

Charlie Murphy also co-wrote and appeared in some of his brother’s movies.

In a statement to Hollywood Reporter, the Murphy family said their “hearts are heavy with the loss today of our son, brother, father, uncle and friend Charlie”.

“Charlie filled our family with love and laughter and there won’t be a day that goes by that his presence will not be missed. Thank you for the outpouring of condolences and prayers,” the statement said.

Charlie Murphy arrived in Hollywood after working as a bodyguard for Eddie at the beginning of his career.

He has said that he was so fond of Eddie and found him so funny that he would not hesitate to confront people who did not laugh during his appearances.