Coming to America is a comedy classic that continues to leave a lasting impact on pop culture, with its barbershop scenes standing out as some of the funniest moments in film history. In these iconic scenes, Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall showcase their extraordinary talent by playing a variety of colorful characters—each one brought to life with remarkable prosthetics and impeccable comedic timing. The humor, creativity, and unforgettable performances make these moments timeless. Let’s take a closer look at the magic behind these hilarious barbershop scenes that have been etched in our memories for decades.

The Characters Behind the Makeup

One of the most remarkable aspects of Coming to America’s barbershop scenes is the diverse range of characters that Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall brought to life. Murphy, playing multiple roles, showed his incredible versatility, from the charismatic and over-the-top Jewish customer Saul to the gruff and no-nonsense barbershop owner, Clarence. Hall, too, contributed to the vibrant dynamic, playing characters like the fast-talking, opinionated barbershop regular, as well as other hilarious personas.

What made these performances so exceptional was the brilliant prosthetics that allowed Murphy and Hall to transform into these unique characters. The makeup was done by the legendary Rick Baker, whose artistry allowed the actors to undergo drastic physical transformations that left audiences in awe. The prosthetics were so realistic that many viewers, including Oprah Winfrey, were fooled into thinking that the characters were played by entirely different actors. This level of craftsmanship brought these hilarious personalities to life in ways that made the scenes even more memorable.

The Barbershop Scene’s Lasting Appeal

The barbershop scenes in Coming to America continue to be celebrated for their humor, creativity, and cultural significance. What makes them so timeless is their ability to transcend generational gaps, resonating with audiences both young and old. The scenes are not only funny—they also capture the essence of the film’s social commentary, highlighting the personalities and dynamics of the barbershop as a cultural institution.

The barbershop itself, with its unique blend of humor, nostalgia, and camaraderie, plays a vital role in the film’s exploration of different cultures and communities. The characters in the barbershop are rich with personality and wit, making each interaction feel authentic and grounded in real-life experiences. The jokes, although sometimes exaggerated, reflect the type of humor and storytelling that made Coming to America a beloved classic. The barbershop scenes continue to be referenced in pop culture, and the hilarious characters remain a fond memory for moviegoers.

Enjoy a look back at all the barbershop scenes from Coming to America through this video!

Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall’s Masterful Performances

Murphy and Hall’s comedic timing was a key ingredient in making the barbershop scenes so successful. Their ability to seamlessly slip in and out of characters, each one distinct and hilarious in its own right, showcased their impeccable comedic talent. The chemistry between them added to the authenticity of the interactions, with each scene feeling fresh and full of life. The two comedians excelled in their performances, making the barbershop a hub of humor, wit, and infectious energy.

The barbershop characters weren’t just funny—they were memorable. The old Jewish man, Saul, played by Murphy, became an instant fan favorite with his hilarious one-liners and his vibrant, larger-than-life persona. The grumpy yet endearing Clarence, portrayed by Murphy, also became iconic, as did Hall’s character, whose exaggerated banter made for some of the most memorable exchanges in the film. The actors’ ability to portray these characters with such depth, despite the heavy prosthetics, showcased their incredible range and dedication to their craft.

Behind the Prosthetics: The Genius of Rick Baker

A large part of the success of these characters was due to the brilliant makeup done by Rick Baker, one of Hollywood’s most acclaimed makeup artists. Baker’s work allowed Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall to completely transform into these larger-than-life personalities. The prosthetics were not just about creating comical looks—they were also incredibly realistic, enhancing the characters’ comedic appeal without detracting from the authenticity of the performances.

The elaborate makeup required a lot of time and effort, often taking several hours to apply. Yet, the results were nothing short of remarkable. Thanks to Baker’s expertise, Murphy and Hall were able to deliver their lines with ease and authenticity, all while hidden beneath layers of makeup. This attention to detail made the barbershop scenes in Coming to America an unforgettable experience for audiences and contributed to the lasting impact of the film.

Oprah’s Surprise: Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall Fooling the World

In a recent interview with Jimmy Kimmel, Eddie Murphy revealed a surprising fact: Oprah Winfrey, who had seen Coming to America multiple times, had no idea that the barbershop characters were played by him and Arsenio Hall. It’s not surprising, considering how realistic the prosthetics were, but it adds a humorous twist to the story. Oprah’s shock when she found out shows just how seamless the performances were, making the characters seem like completely separate individuals.

Murphy shared that the makeup allowed them to fully embody their characters, and even went as far as to say that during filming, he was able to talk to people without them realizing he was in costume. Arsenio Hall also recalled a funny anecdote about Murphy, who once managed to get an elderly lady’s phone number while wearing one of the barbershop prosthetics. This level of disguise and performance speaks to the genius of Rick Baker’s makeup and the skill of Murphy and Hall.

The Return of the Barbershop Crew in Coming 2 America

Decades after the original film, Coming 2 America brought back the beloved barbershop characters, allowing audiences to revisit the humor and charm that made the first film so iconic. The return of Murphy and Hall, once again in full makeup, was met with excitement, as fans of the original film were eager to see these characters on screen once more. Although the makeup process was as time-consuming as ever, the opportunity to bring back the barbershop crew for a new generation of fans was too good to pass up.

Despite the years that had passed, the barbershop scenes in Coming 2 America still captured the same magic that made them unforgettable in the first film. The characters were as funny and endearing as ever, and their interactions provided the perfect dose of humor to balance the film’s more serious moments.

Conclusion: Why Coming to America‘s Barbershop Scenes Will Always Be a Cultural Treasure

The barbershop scenes in Coming to America have left an indelible mark on popular culture, and they remain one of the most beloved parts of the film. From Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall’s masterful performances to the incredible makeup artistry of Rick Baker, these scenes are a testament to the power of creativity, humor, and collaboration in filmmaking. The barbershop crew will forever be remembered as a hilarious, heartwarming, and iconic part of movie history, and their legacy will continue to live on in the hearts of fans for years to come.

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