Eddie Murphy shares funny Beyoncé, Jennifer Hudson “ashy” story [VIDEO]

Eddie Murphy Reveals Hilarious On-Set Moment Between Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson

Veteran actor and comedian Eddie Murphy recently took fans on a humorous stroll down memory lane, sharing a light-hearted behind-the-scenes moment from the set of the 2006 musical drama Dreamgirls. The anecdote surfaced during Murphy’s August 7, appearance on Complex’s popular interview series 360 With Speedy, hosted by Speedy Morman. While the interview covered Murphy’s prolific career spanning nearly five decades, it was his candid recollection involving Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson that stole the spotlight online.

In a moment that has since gone viral, Murphy shared what he described as one of the few memories he clearly retained from filming Dreamgirls — a film that earned him an Academy Award nomination and won Jennifer Hudson an Oscar. Surprisingly, the memory wasn’t of a grand performance or a glamorous event, but of a quiet exchange between Beyoncé and Hudson about dry skin.

“Ooh Girl, Let Me Get You Some Cream”

“My Beyoncé memory was… and neither one of them know that I knew this,” Murphy began, chuckling. “I watched Jennifer Hudson and Beyoncé. They were all between shots, they were on stage. And Jennifer is new in show business, she had a finger right between her — it’s ashy — and she was licking her fingers and getting the ash like that. And Beyoncé grabbed her and said, ‘Ooh girl, don’t do that. I’ll get you some cream.'”

Murphy laughed as he retold the moment, mimicking the interaction and emphasizing the sweet, almost sisterly tone of Beyoncé’s gentle correction. “It was quiet between the two of them, but I saw it,” he added. “And this might be the first time that I’ve shared that with anyone.”

This moment, though small and personal, has captured the internet’s attention, sparking discussions around celebrity humility, relatability, and the often overlooked humanity of Hollywood stars.

A Glimpse Behind The Glitz

The anecdote offered a rare, authentic look at the dynamics among the Dreamgirls cast, particularly between rising star Jennifer Hudson, fresh off her American Idol success, and global icon Beyoncé, who by then had already transitioned into a successful solo career post-Destiny’s Child. Hudson was just getting her footing in Hollywood, and Murphy’s story highlights that growth period.

Murphy candidly admitted that much of the filming process for Dreamgirls was a blur for him. At the time, he was going through a divorce from his ex-wife Nicole Mitchell, which affected his focus on set. “I was kinda like on automatic pilot, and I don’t remember a lot of making the movie,” he said.

Still, that single interaction stood out—likely for its tenderness and comedic value, two traits Murphy has built a career around.

Cultural Relevance of Being “Ashy”

Murphy’s story resonated with many in the Black community, where “ashy” is a common term used to describe dry skin, especially when it becomes visibly flaky or chalky against darker skin tones. The act of licking one’s fingers to remedy ashy skin is a familiar makeshift solution for many, and Murphy’s delivery made the moment both hilarious and heartwarming.

Beyoncé’s offer to get some cream wasn’t just a Hollywood correction—it was a culturally grounded gesture of care. Her gentle handling of Hudson’s faux pas reflects mentorship, sisterhood, and the unspoken support often shared among Black women, particularly in high-pressure spaces like a major film set.

Public Reaction: From Chuckles to Critiques

The original clip, posted on X (formerly Twitter) by user @Glock_Topickz, has already surpassed 1.2 million views. Responses range from laughter and love to a few eyebrows raised.

Positive reactions focused on the hilarity and relatability of the story:

• “Eddie Murphy always got the best stories. This is pure gold!”
• “Only Bey would have lotion ready at all times. She’s the GOAT.”
• “I’ve definitely been Jennifer before 😂 Bey had her back.”

Critical voices, though fewer, questioned Murphy’s motive:

• “Did he have to put JHud on blast like that?”
• “It’s funny, but I feel like he lowkey shaded her.”

However, Murphy’s delivery was affectionate rather than malicious, framing the moment as endearing and humorous.

No Word Yet From JHud or Bey

As of this writing, neither Beyoncé nor Jennifer Hudson has commented publicly on Murphy’s story. The viral moment may prompt a response or, more likely, a laugh behind the scenes. Both artists have a history of taking internet moments in stride, and this story doesn’t carry scandalous weight—just a bit of nostalgic charm.

Dreamgirls: A Defining Moment For All

Released in 2006, Dreamgirls was a cultural milestone, blending Hollywood glamour with Black musical history. It earned eight Oscar nominations and grossed over $154 million worldwide. Murphy’s portrayal of Jimmy “Thunder” Early was widely praised, while Jennifer Hudson’s performance as Effie White skyrocketed her to stardom, earning her an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actress.

This new anecdote adds a fresh layer to the film’s legacy—one not found in press kits or award speeches, but in the quiet, unfiltered moments between takes.

Final Thoughts

Eddie Murphy’s candid memory of the Dreamgirls set serves as a reminder that even the most iconic productions are filled with human moments—funny, relatable, and sometimes a little ashy. It’s this kind of story that reminds fans why Murphy remains such a beloved figure: he finds joy in the small things and shares them with charm.

Also, Murphy’s story brings one core fact to mind. Despite the levels of fame and fortune celebrities reach, they are still regular people. What Jennifer Hudson experienced is what people go through every day. How Eddie Murphy reacted to it is how anyone would, who saw something like that play out. However, the major difference is that these people are famous. As a result, when Murphy shares a story like this, it is shared to millions of people at one time with a million opinions.

As Dreamgirls continues to age like fine wine, stories like this keep its spirit alive—not just in awards and box office numbers, but in moisturizing cream and mid-scene laughter.