Leading the cast was Eddie Murphy, born April 3, 1961, who portrayed the charming Prince Akeem Joffer at just 27 years old. Now at 63, Murphy continues to be a prominent figure in comedy and film. Paul Bates, who played the loyal servant Oha, was 29 during filming and is now 65, while Garcelle Beauvais, then a fresh 21-year-old, impressed as the beautiful Rose Bearer and is currently 57.