The classic comedy Coming to America is one of the most beloved films of the 1980s. Directed by John Landis and starring Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall and James Earl Jones, it’s a hilarious story about an African prince who travels to America in search of love. It’s also notable for its iconic barbershop scene featuring some of the most memorable characters from the film.
One of these characters is Maurice (Clint Smith), the owner of a fast-food restaurant called McDowell’s. When Prince Akeem (Murphy) and his sidekick Semmi (Hall) start working at McDowell’s, Maurice takes them under his wing and becomes their friend and mentor. He also helps them get jobs at a barbershop, whch plays a pivotal role in the movie.
The barbershop cast featured several talented actors, including Louie Anderson as Reverend Brown; John Amos as Curtis; Madge Sinclair as Mamma Odie; Eriq La Salle as Darryl Jenks; Garcelle Beauvais-Nilon as Imani Izzi; and Samuel L. Jackson as Claude Pertwee. Each character adds something unique to the movie, with Amos delivering some of the film’s best lines as he tries to help Akeem win over his true love, Lisa (Shari Headley).
Though it was released more than thirty years ago, Coming to America remains a fan favorite today. Its barbershop cast helped bring an extra dose of laughter to an already funny movie, making it one of Eddie Murphy’s most iconic comedies.
The Actor Who Played the White Guy in the Barbershop Scene in ‘Coming to America’
The white guy who worked in the barbershop in Coming to America was played by Louie Anderson. Anderson is an American stand-up comedian and actor, best known for his roles on the television shows Life with Louie and Baskets. In Coming to America, he plays Maurice, a cranky old man who works in the barbershop and meets Murphy’s Prince Akeem when he and his aide Semmi (Arsenio Hall) get cleaning jobs at the shop. Anderson reprises his role as Maurice in “Coming 2 America”.
Who Portrayed Sweets the Barber in ‘Coming to America’?
In Coming to America (1988), Sweets the barber was played by actor Clarence Williams III. Williams is known for his roles in films such as The General’s Daughter (1999) and television series such as Mod Squad (1968-1973). He also appeared in Prince’s music video for the song “Gett Off” in 1991. In Coming to America, Sweets was a barber at McDowell’s who cuts the hair of Prince Akeem (Eddie Murphy) alongside his partner Saul (Louis Perry). Williams’ character was known for his catchphrase “yeah, I can dig it!” which he says whenever Akeem remarks about how good his haircut looks.
The Three Barbers in Coming to America
The 3 barbers in Coming to America are portrayed by Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, and Clint Smith. Eddie Murphy plays the character of Prince Akeem, who goes undercover as a barber in order to find true love. Arsenio Hall portrays the character of Semmi, Prince Akeem’s best friend and sidekick. Finally, Clint Smith plays the role of Clarence, the third barber working at McDowell’s. All three characters proide comedic relief throughout the movie as they banter back and forth while cutting hair. In addition to these three characters, Cuba Gooding Jr. also appears as a Jewish customer in the barbershop who is looking for “the perfect” hair cut.
The Actor Who Played The Royal Barber in Coming to America 2
Nomzamo Mbatha played the role of Mirembe, the royal groomer, in Coming 2 America. She is a South African actress, television personality and human rights activist. Mirembe is an intelligent and independent-minded woman who works as a barber at the palace of Zamunda. She has a sharp wit and a fierce determination to succeed in her job as the royal barber. Her story intertwines with Prince Akeem’s journey to finding true love in Zamunda. The character of Mirembe was pivotal to the success of Coming 2 America as she offered a unique perspective on the culture and customs of Zamunda that was both humorous and heartfelt.
Did Eddie Murphy Play the Barber in ‘Coming to America’?
Yes, Eddie Murphy played the barber in Coming to America. He starred as Prince Akeem, a prince from the fictional African nation of Zamunda, who travels to the United States in search of his bride-to-be. He and his best friend Semmi (played by Arsenio Hall) disguise themselves as commoners and work at a barbershop owned by Cleo McDowell (John Amos). In several scenes of the movie Murphy is seen cutting hair and giving advice to customers. He also plays multiple roles throughout the film including an old Jewish man, a woman and a Reverend Brown.
Source: complex.com
Meet the Female Barber from ‘Coming to America 2’
The female barber in Coming to America 2 is Stacey Morris, played by actress Vanessa Bell Calloway. Stacey is a talented and outgoing barber from Queens, New York. She’s an old friend of Prince Akeem’s and works at the Zamunda Palace. Stacey has an eye for style and a keen sense of humor that make her a valuable part of the royal court. From her outrageous wigs to her brilliant one-liners, she helps lighten the mood and adds some much-needed comic relief to the movie.
Eddie Murphy’s Earnings for Coming to America
Eddie Murphy earned an impressive $8 million for his role in Coming to America, released in 1988. This was a major milestone for Murphy, as it was the highest salary ever paid to an actor at the time. His performance as Prince Akeem helped make the movie a box office success and cemented his status as one of the biggest stars in Hollywood.
Conclusion
Coming to America is an iconic comedy film released in 1988, starring Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem. It follows the story of Akeem as he travels to New York City to find a wife and escape an arranged marriage. Along the way, he encounters a variety of characters, including Louie Anderson’s Maurice, who helps him get a job at a McDonald’s restaurant. The film was an unexpected hit and has become a cultural touchstone for many. It continues to be popular decades later, with its sequel Coming 2 America recently released in 2021. It is a timeless classic that appeals to wide audiences and its legacy will live on for years to come.
