Noah Wyle says Eddie Murphy swore at him over childhood autograph request

US actor Noah Wyle has recalled being turned away by comedian Eddie Murphy when he asked for an autograph as a nine-year-old, saying the experience influenced how he treats young fans.

US actor Noah Wyle has recalled being turned away by comedian Eddie Murphy when he asked for an autograph as a nine-year-old, saying the experience influenced how he treats young fans.

Wyle, recently named People magazine’s 2026 Sexiest Man Alive, recounted the encounter on Amy Poehler’s Good Hang podcast.

“I met Eddie once when I was a kid. I asked him for his autograph, and I said, ‘I really like you on SNL,’” Wyle said.

Murphy initially asked him why he was awake so late, before responding more bluntly when the young Wyle repeated his request.

“And I said, ‘Can I have your autograph?’ He goes, ‘F* off, man,’” Wyle recalled.**

Wyle said the experience had stayed with him and made him quick to sign autographs for young fans.

“I always sign an autograph. Whenever a nine-year-old needs an autograph from me, I sign that so fast,” he said.

The story also inspired a playful birthday gift from Wyle’s daughter Frances.

The actor said his 10-year-old daughter had printed a photograph of Murphy and written a mock autograph on it: “Dear Noah, you’re a great kid, Eddie Murphy.”

She misspelled the comedian’s first name as “Eddy”, Wyle said, adding that he had framed the picture in his office.

“It’s the greatest gift,” he said.