In the 1988 romantic comedy Coming to America, which actor plays Prince Akeem?

Eddie Murphy plays Prince Akeem in the 1988 romantic comedy Coming to America.

The film follows Akeem, the crown prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda, who travels to Queens, New York, to find a partner who will love him for himself rather than his royal status. Murphy also plays several additional characters, including Akeem’s friend Semmi, barbershop customers, and a Jewish barbershop patron.

Coming to America was directed by John Landis and written by Murphy, Barry W. Blaustein, and David Sheffield. The cast also includes Arsenio Hall as Semmi, James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer, and Shari Headley as Lisa McDowell, Akeem’s romantic interest.

A common mix-up is confusing Akeem with Murphy’s character in The Nutty Professor or with Hall’s supporting role in this film. A sequel, Coming 2 America, was released in 2021, with Murphy returning as Akeem.