Father of 10 Eddie Murphy, 64, Just Gave Pete Davidson the Ultimate Effortless Parenting Advice originally appeared on Parade.
When a comedy legend who’s raised 10 children offers parenting advice, you listen. Eddie Murphy just delivered the most reassuring words any nervous father-to-be could hear, telling Pete Davidson during their Today show appearance that parenting requires no effort because “you’re wired to do the right thing by your child.”
The 64-year-old comedy icon’s wisdom came during promotion for their new film The PickUp, when Al Roker asked Davidson about his upcoming fatherhood journey. The 31-year-old SNL star shared his excitement about taking care of someone and getting “out of my own head” since “it’s not about me now.”
But it was Murphy’s response that truly resonated. When asked if he’d given Davidson parenting advice, Davidson revealed his philosophy: “The best advice was no advice. You can’t tell someone how to parent.” Murphy’s follow-up was even more comforting: “There’s no effort in it! You’re wired to do the right thing by your child.”
For Davidson, who’s navigating his first experience with fatherhood, hearing this from someone with Murphy’s extensive parenting experience must feel incredibly reassuring. The Brooklyn native has raised children across decades, giving him unique perspective on how natural instincts guide parents through the journey.
Murphy’s approach reflects a laid-back confidence that comes from years of experience. Rather than overwhelming new parents with endless advice and rules, he emphasizes trusting natural parenting instincts that kick in when your child arrives.
Related: Keke Palmer Learned This Game-Changing Habit from Eddie Murphy on Set
The exchange highlighted the beautiful mentorship dynamic between the two comedians. While they’re co-stars promoting their action-comedy about mismatched armored truck drivers facing chaos, their real-life conversation revealed genuine care and wisdom sharing between generations.
Davidson’s honest admission about being excited to care for someone while acknowledging he doesn’t know much about fatherhood shows the vulnerability many first-time parents feel. Murphy’s reassuring response offers comfort that parenting skills develop naturally rather than requiring extensive preparation.
Fan reactions were mixed, with some appreciating Murphy’s confidence while others noted that parenting definitely involves daily effort for most people. Regardless of different experiences, Murphy’s core message about trusting parental instincts provides valuable reassurance for any nervous parent-to-be.
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For Davidson, having a comedy legend and experienced father offer such supportive wisdom must feel like the perfect preparation for his upcoming journey into parenthood.
Father of 10 Eddie Murphy, 64, Just Gave Pete Davidson the Ultimate Effortless Parenting Advice first appeared on Parade on Jul 31, 2025
This story was originally reported by Parade on Jul 31, 2025, where it first appeared.
