Eddie Murphy Reveals Untold Tale of Beyoncé’s Heartfelt Gesture to Jennifer Hudson on the ‘Dreamgirls’ Set

Over a span of fifty years, Eddie Murphy has crossed paths with nearly every iconic figure in entertainment, sharing memorable tales of encounters with legends like Richard Pryor, Michael Jackson, Prince and Frank Sinatra.

Yet one particularly touching moment with Beyoncé from the 2006 film adaptation of the Broadway sensation Dreamgirls remained untold—until now.

“I filmed Dreamgirls right in the midst of my divorce,” Murphy revealed on Complex’s 360 With Speedy podcast, reflecting on 2005 when he and Nicole Murphy amicably ended their twelve-year marriage.

He admits the shoot felt surreal. “I was on autopilot; large portions of the production are a blur,” Murphy said of the December 2006 release featuring Jamie Foxx as the Berry Gordy–inspired label magnate and Beyoncé as Deena Jones. His electrifying portrayal of James “Thunder” Early earned him his sole Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.

Few know about the quiet kindness he witnessed between Beyoncé and Jennifer Hudson—who went on to win Best Supporting Actress that year for her debut role as Effie White. Murphy recalled seeing Hudson, then new to the spotlight, discreetly licking and rubbing her fingers to combat dryness on set.

Without hesitation, Beyoncé offered assistance: “Here, let me get you some lotion,” she said, gently guiding Hudson offstage. “It was a subtle gesture but spoke volumes,” Murphy reflected.

Today, Murphy is promoting Amazon MGM Studios’ casino-heist comedy The Pickup, co-starring Pete Davidson, Eva Longoria and Keke Palmer.

Below, watch Murphy recount his sweet Beyoncé–Jennifer Hudson anecdote.

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