Which comedian played the title role in the 1988 film comedy Coming to America?

Eddie Murphy played the title role in the 1988 film comedy Coming to America.

Murphy stars as Prince Akeem Joffer of Zamunda, who travels to Queens, New York, seeking a partner who will love him rather than his royal status. The film was directed by John Landis and written by Murphy with Barry W. Blaustein and David Sheffield.

Murphy also played several supporting characters, including Randy Watson and Saul. Arsenio Hall likewise portrayed multiple characters, making the film notable for its comic use of elaborate makeup and character transformations.

The story is fictional, and Zamunda is an invented African kingdom. That detail can prevent a common misunderstanding: the film is not set in a real monarchy. A sequel, Coming 2 America, was released in 2021, with Murphy returning as Akeem.