Key Highlights
- Judge Reinhold shares insights on his experience filming Beverly Hills Cop with Eddie Murphy, who transformed the movie into a comedy classic.
- Reinhold’s close talker role on Seinfeld was both hilarious and unnerving, particularly for Jerry Seinfeld due to his germaphobia.
- Eddie Murphy’s arrival in Beverly Hills Cop led to significant improvisation, making it one of the funniest films of the 1980s.
- Judge Reinhold’s memorable roles continue to resonate, from Beverly Hills Cop to Seinfeld.
(livesinsight.com) – As a standout on Saturday Night Live and with 48 Hrs. proving to be a hit (while also reinventing the buddy cop movie), Eddie Murphy was going to be the star of the 1980s. So when Beverly Hills Cop was about to roll around, things were looking on pace for Murphy. Only, it wasn’t even going to star him at all – it was meant for Sylvester Stallone! In fact, Judge Reinhold even had his part in line before Eddie Murphy came on board. Speaking at the world premiere of the latest Beverly Hills Cop installment, Axel F, Judge Reinhold – who played Detective Billy Rosewood in all four movies – remembered being hired before Eddie Murphy took over as Axel Foley, a role that looked to be Sly’s for the taking. Once Stallone left to do Cobra, Murphy came on board and helped turn it into a comedy, as opposed to the straight-up action flick it was originally written as. “We weren’t a comedy, we weren’t. Eddie was fine flying by the seat of his pants, that’s not a problem for him, but it was nerve-wracking for us.” With not nearly as much comedy in the original script as would end up on the screen, there was a collaborative effort to ensure that Beverly Hills Cop could fit the ever-growing Eddie Murphy mold. In addition to Sam Simon being brought in to work on the screenplay and director Martin Brest encouraging improv, the production clearly supported a loose environment that would promote as much humor as ever. As Reinhold told Deadline, “One scene you may not know was improvised was…all the scenes with John [Ashton, Sergeant John Taggart] and I in the unmarked car on stakeout. Marty Brest, the original director, just gave us free reign. We shot a lot of film – that was expensive then.” With Murphy on board and the necessary punch-ups on the page, Beverly Hills Cop would go on to become one of the funniest movies of the 1980s, if not ever. It, too, was insanely successful at the box office, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated comedy ever at the time. Forty years on, it’s still one of the top R-rated movies in terms of grosses, sitting just outside of the top 10 – so put that banana in your tailpipe!
Judge Reinhold’s Memorable Roles: From Beverly Hills Cop to the Close Talker
Judge Reinhold has carved out a unique niche for himself in Hollywood, with roles that have left indelible marks on pop culture. Beyond Billy Rosewood in Beverly Hills Cop, Reinhold’s portrayal of Aaron, the “close talker” on Seinfeld, remains unforgettable. During a recent appearance on The Rich Eisen Show, Reinhold delved into his experiences on the Seinfeld set. Filming the close-talker scenes, Reinhold would incrementally get closer to each person he talked to, ending with Jerry Seinfeld. The crew laughed uncontrollably, not because of the scene’s comedy, but because Jerry Seinfeld was notoriously germaphobic. “When the lunch break came, I asked some of the crew members: ‘Why were you guys laughing so hard when I get to Jerry?’” Reinhold explained. “Because he’s such a germaphobe he’s terrified of what you’re doing,” they responded. Reinhold didn’t hold back during filming, almost touching Jerry’s nose by the time the cameras rolled. This scene’s humor was further amplified by Seinfeld’s reputed paranoia concerning germs. Real-life instances, like refusing to hug Kesha during a red carpet interview in 2017, only added to Jerry Seinfeld’s germaphobe persona. However, Seinfeld later clarified to the New York Times that his behavior was more about organized routines than germaphobia. Reinhold’s work as the close talker was so convincing that years later, Julia Louis-Dreyfus instinctively started backing up when she ran into him, only to realize it was just a character he played.
Eddie Murphy’s Transformation of Beverly Hills Cop
While Sylvester Stallone was initially set to star in Beverly Hills Cop, Eddie Murphy’s involvement turned the film’s trajectory upside down. The script morphed from a straightforward action flick to a comedy classic. Murphy’s improvisational skills and comedic timing were instrumental in this transformation. The production team, including director Martin Brest, embraced a flexible approach, allowing for spontaneous humor. Judge Reinhold’s recollections highlight Murphy’s impact. Scenes with John Ashton, who played Sergeant John Taggart, were largely improvised, adding to the film’s comedic essence. “We shot a lot of film – that was expensive then,” said Reinhold. Murphy’s influence extended beyond the script, affecting the film’s atmosphere and approach. Beverly Hills Cop’s success at the box office was unprecedented, becoming the highest-grossing R-rated comedy at the time and still holding a top position among R-rated films. The movie’s legacy, particularly Murphy’s role, continues to be celebrated.
Judge Reinhold and Eddie Murphy: A Dynamic Duo
Judge Reinhold and Eddie Murphy’s on-screen chemistry was a significant factor in Beverly Hills Cop’s success. Reinhold’s character, Billy Rosewood, provided a perfect foil to Murphy’s Axel Foley. Their dynamic brought both tension and hilarity to the screen. Reinhold’s ability to adapt to Murphy’s improvisational style was crucial. He recalled the nervousness among the cast as they adjusted to the comedic direction Murphy brought. However, the collaborative environment fostered by the production team allowed for creative freedom. This freedom resulted in memorable scenes that were not in the original script. Reinhold’s partnership with Murphy extended beyond Beverly Hills Cop. Their rapport was evident in subsequent films, reinforcing their status as a beloved duo in Hollywood. Reinhold’s versatility as an actor, combined with Murphy’s comedic genius, made their collaborations iconic. The impact of their work together is still felt today, with Beverly Hills Cop remaining a benchmark for action-comedy films.
The Cultural Impact of Judge Reinhold’s Roles
Judge Reinhold’s performances in Beverly Hills Cop and Seinfeld have left a lasting cultural impact. His portrayal of Billy Rosewood showcased his comedic talent, while his role as the close talker on Seinfeld demonstrated his ability to create memorable characters. Reinhold’s versatility as an actor is evident in his diverse roles. From the action-comedy of Beverly Hills Cop to the sitcom humor of Seinfeld, Reinhold has consistently delivered performances that resonate with audiences. His work has contributed to the enduring popularity of these shows and films. The term “close talker” has entered the cultural lexicon, a testament to the impact of Reinhold’s performance on Seinfeld. Similarly, Beverly Hills Cop remains a touchstone for action-comedy films, with Reinhold’s character playing a significant role in its success. Reinhold’s career is a testament to his talent and adaptability, making him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry.