Though she’s most widely known as the former wife of actor and comedian Eddie Murphy, Nicole Murphy is so much more. She established her name working as a model, television personality and entrepreneur. Launching her career with elite modeling contracts across Europe, she went on to star in VH1’s “Hollywood Exes,” build her own lifestyle brand, and navigate a multi-million-dollar divorce settlement with poise and grace. Today, with an impressive net worth behind her, she stands as the embodiment of resilience, reinvention and fashion royalty. Here’s a closer look at her journey.

Nicole Murphy Before Fame

Born in Sacramento, California, on Jan. 5, 1968, Murphy’s parents consisted of a British homemaker and an Air Force pilot. Moving to her own beat, Murphy began modeling at just 13 years old with Ford Models after winning an international competition. She used her stunning beauty to spend her teenage years in Paris and other fashion capitals, walking runways for Chanel, Valentino and Yves Saint Laurent. This global exposure established her reputation as a promising high-fashion model.

How Did Nicole Murphy Become Famous?

Murphy’s fame elevated beyond modeling when she married legendary comedian Eddie Murphy in 1993, following their meeting at the NAACP Image Awards in 1988. Their high-profile love and marriage led to five children, solidifying her name in pop culture. Unfortunately, their marriage came to an end, but Murphy decided to turn lemons into lemonade. Murphy starred in VH1’s “Hollywood Exes” from 2012 to 2014, capitalizing on her celebrity status to successfully re-enter the spotlight.

Reality TV

As both star and executive producer of “Hollywood Exes,” she reclaimed her power and navigated her role as an elite “ex” with boldness and honesty. Starring alongside Hollywood’s A-list ex-wives, including Andrea Kelly, Mayte Garcia, Jessica Canseco and Sheree Fletcher, the show offered a deeper look into her post-divorce life. That included parenting, business challenges, and all the drama that accompanied. The exposure opened doors to for the brand partnerships and business ventures that would go on to be even more financially lucrative.

Business Endeavors

Using her already-fortified platform, Murphy has successfully ventured into entrepreneurship through varying avenues. She currently serves as the founder of the skincare company YFOY, a line focused on anti-aging products. The radiance she’s been able to maintain in her late 50s has only helped sell the products. She also launched her jewelry line FLP by Nicole Murphy in 2009, and collaborated with Red Styxx Beverage on her own Moscato wine. Beyond brand deals and guest appearances, she’s also tried her hand as an actress, appearing in projects like “The Mystery of Las Clevs,” “Shut the F—k Up,”  and “Just Love.” These diverse ventures reflect her re-inventive mindset.

What Is Nicole Murphy’s Net Worth?

As of 2025, Murphy’s net worth is estimated to be between $10 and $11 million. Despite losing nearly $7 million in a 2006 investment-fraud scandal, she was able to rebound with settlement funds, successful business ventures, and reality TV income. From international model to famous wife to reality TV star, Murphy has never stayed down. Despite financial setbacks, she been able to build a multi-million-dollar empire.

Are Nicole and Eddie Murphy Still Together?

Nicole and Eddie Murphy divorced in 2006 following 13 years of marriage. She received a hefty $15 million lump-sum settlement, though she later lost a significant portion of it in investment fraud. The two remain amicable as co-parents to their five children: Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola, and Bella.

How Much Does Eddie Murphy Pay in Child Support?

Murphy actually declined spousal support in exchange for her hefty lump sum, as well as their $6 million California estate and ongoing private school tuition. Meanwhile, he was recently ordered to pay $61,000 per month in child support to Spice Girls member Mel B for their daughter, Angel.

What Happened with Michael Strahan and Nicole Murphy?

Following her divorce, Murphy began dating retired NFL star and television host Michael Strahan in 2007. Happily in love, they soon became engaged in 2009. The couple went on to buy a $16 million Los Angeles mansion in 2013. Their engagement abruptly ended in 2014 due to conflicting schedules and the weight of long distance. The two remain amicable, noting that the split was never due to lack of love.

Nicole Murphy Investment Fraud Scandal

One of the most challenging moments in Murphy’s financial journey was her involvement in an investment fraud scandal that cost her a significant portion of her $15 million divorce settlement. In 2006, she entrusted a large portion of that money to a financial advisor named Troy Stratos, a man she believed to be both a friend and well-informed investor. Stratos promised high returns and claimed he was investing her money in secure overseas ventures.

In actuality, he was using her funds to lease luxury cars, rent private jets, and maintain a falsified appearance of wealth. In 2016, Stratos pleaded guilty to charges of wire fraud, money laundering, and obstruction of justice, sentenced to nearly 22 years in federal prison. By the time any legal action was taken, Murphy had already lost around $7 million.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happened to Nikki Murphy’s partner? In early 2024, Nicole Murphy’s partner Warren Braithwaite had sadly passed away from his battle with cancer. She shared the tragic news via Instagram, referring to Braithwaite as “my world.”

How many kids did Nicole Murphy have for Eddie Murphy? Eddie Murphy shares five children with Nicole Murphy: Bria, Myles, Shayne, Zola and Bella. He also has other children from previous partnerships.