Power season 4 cast reportedly unaware of Charlie Murphy illness

Earlier today, we posted the terrible news regarding Charlie Murphy’s passing at the age of 57. He was an extremely funny, talented guy, and probably someone who did not receive his fair due over the course of his career. He’s obviously best known for his stand-up and his work on Chappelle’s Show for a couple of years, but one of his final screen credits is an upcoming arc on Power, which premieres on Starz this summer.

We reported months ago that Murphy would be playing a character named Marshal Williams over the course of several installments; he’s listed online as appearing in four, and it doesn’t seem as though his illness (he passed due to complications related to leukemia) played any role in limiting his time on the show.

According to a report from TMZ, sources from the set of the show were unaware that Murphy was sick at the time of him filming his episodes. He reportedly came in and did the work just like everyone else, which is apparently what he wanted. He kept his health struggle private, and we certainly saw over the course of his career that he was someone who loved working and getting his art out there for people to see. He clearly did not want this to stand in his way.

Earlier today, Power showrunner Courtney A. Kemp posted the following message on her Instagram page remembering Murphy for his talent:

“RIP Charlie Murphy. We were so lucky to work with him on Power this season. His talent and his commitment were beyond measure. Keep them laughing in heaven…”

Meanwhile, Power star and executive producer Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson offered up a few thoughts of his own:

“R.I.P to my man Charlie Murphy. We just worked together in POWER. GOD BLESS.”

We don’t know too much about the Williams role, beyond that he is a prison guard who may be working at the same place where James St. Patrick (Omari Hardwick) is locked up at the start of the season. What we do know is that Power as a series was lucky to have him, and that when these episodes do end up airing, they are going to stand as a great testament to some of his work and the tremendous career that he had.

Once again, our thoughts go out to Murphy’s colleagues and all who loved him during what has to be a very difficult time. (Photo: Starz.)