
Meet the ‘Coming To America’ Cast!
When "Coming to America" was released in 1988, it was a huge hit with audiences. The film is set in the early 20th century and tells the story of a group of African Americans who come to America in search of a better life. The cast of "Coming to America" is a who’s who of Hollywood talent, and includes such stars as Michael Jackson, Eddie Murphy, and Arsenio Hall.
The film’s popularity has not diminished over the years, and it is still enjoyed by movie fans everywhere. The characters and story are well-realized, and the overall effect is highly entertaining. "Coming to America" is a great representation of the African American experience in the early 20th century, and it is sure to entertain audiences of all ages.
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Coming To America Cast
The cast of the classic movie Coming To America is a star-studded lineup that has left an indelible mark on the world of comedy. Eddie Murphy stars as the main character, Akeem Joffer, a young African prince who comes to America in search of a bride. Arsenio Hall plays the role of Akeem’s best friend and sidekick, Semmi, and James Earl Jones stars as King Jaffe Joffer, Akeem’s father. Other cast members include John Amos as Cleo McDowell, Akeem’s love interest; Shari Headley as Lisa McDowell, Akeem’s bride; and Eriq La Salle as Darryl Jenks, the McDowell’s son. The movie also features cameos from musical legends such as The Roots, Rick James, Chaka Khan, and Nile Rodgers, further adding to its all-star cast.
Overview of the Cast: Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, John Amos, and more
When Coming to America was released in 1988, it quickly became a classic. The iconic film featured a star-studded cast including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Shari Headley, and John Amos, to name a few.
Eddie Murphy played the lead role of Prince Akeem Joffer, a wealthy African prince who travels to the United States in search of true love. Murphy’s performance was praised by critics and fans alike and he was nominated for a Golden Globe for the role.
Arsenio Hall costarred alongside Murphy, playing his best friend and loyal sidekick, Semmi. Hall provided much of the comic relief in the film and was praised for his energy and performance.
James Earl Jones portrayed Prince Akeem’s father, King Jaffe Joffer. Jones was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance and brought a regal presence to the film.

Shari Headley was cast as Lisa McDowell, the woman who eventually captures Prince Akeem’s heart. Headley’s performance was praised by critics and she was nominated for a NAACP Image Award for her role.
John Amos was cast in the role of Cleo McDowell, Lisa’s father. Amos’ performance was lauded by fans and critics alike and he was nominated for a NAACP Image Award for his portrayal.
The Coming to America cast also included a number of other notable actors and actresses such as Madge Sinclair, Louie Anderson, Eriq La Salle, and Vanessa Bell Calloway.
The film was a critical and commercial success, grossing over $288 million worldwide. It was praised for its humor and its positive portrayal of African culture. It is still considered a classic today and its cast has become iconic.
Eddie Murphy’s Role: His character Akeem and his backstory
Eddie Murphy has captivated audiences with his role as Akeem Joffer, the African prince in the iconic 1988 comedy Coming To America. As the movie follows Akeem’s journey to America in search of a bride, Murphy’s performance is a revelation.
Akeem is a well-educated man, who is determined to marry someone of his own choosing, rather than the woman his father has arranged for him. His charm and charisma instantly make him likable, even when he’s making mistakes.
The character of Akeem is a great example of Murphy’s penchant for playing larger-than-life characters. His ability to bring both comedy and pathos to the role is remarkable. He manages to make the character both funny and endearing, while also making it clear that Akeem is a man of depth and substance.
The backstory of Akeem is also fascinating. As the heir to a throne, Akeem is expected to live a certain way and adhere to certain standards. However, he is determined to forge his own path, which leads him to America.

It’s this combination of comedy, depth, and determination that makes Akeem such an iconic character. Murphy’s performance is iconic and timeless, and it’s easy to see why Coming To America remains a beloved classic.
Supporting Cast: Breakdown of their characters and performances
The cast of Coming to America is one of the most iconic in movie history, and the supporting cast adds to its legendary status. From Arsenio Hall and Samuel L. Jackson as Akeem’s sidekicks, to the unforgettable James Earl Jones as King Jaffe Joffer, the supporting cast of Coming to America brought a unique flavor and energy to the film. Let’s take a closer look at the characters and performances of the supporting cast of Coming to America.
Arsenio Hall and Samuel L. Jackson starred as Akeem’s loyal companions, Semmi and Bobby, respectively. Hall and Jackson both delivered memorable performances as the hapless sidekicks, providing the perfect comedic foil to Eddie Murphy’s star turn as Akeem. Hall and Jackson both brought an infectious energy to the film and their characters were essential to the plot.
James Earl Jones played King Jaffe Joffer, Akeem’s father and the ruler of the fictional African nation of Zamunda. Jones’ performance was a masterclass in regal power and authority, and his presence was a welcome reminder of the film’s African roots. Jones’ portrayal of the King was essential to the plot, as his character provided the necessary motivation for Akeem’s journey.
John Amos played Cleo McDowell, the owner of the fast-food joint McDowell’s, and the father of Akeem’s love interest, Lisa. Amos brought a warmth and humor to the role, and his performance was essential in providing a softer, kinder counterpoint to the film’s more outrageous moments.
Ralph Bellamy played the dim-witted Duke of Clarence, a character whose attempts to woo Lisa provided some of the film’s funniest moments. Bellamy’s performance was a masterclass in comedic timing and delivery, and his character provided the perfect foil to Akeem’s haplessness.
The cast of Coming to America is one of the most beloved in movie history, and the supporting cast played an essential role in the film’s success. The performances of Arsenio Hall,
Conclusion
The Coming To America cast is made up of a talented and diverse group of actors and actresses, including Eddie Murphy, Arsenio Hall, James Earl Jones, Madge Sinclair, Shari Headley, and many more. The ensemble cast delivered an outstanding performance, making the movie an instant classic. The cast’s comedic timing, combined with the witty writing and memorable characters, helped to make Coming To America an iconic and beloved movie. The success of the movie can be attributed to the talented cast, who played their roles with charm and wit, creating an unforgettable movie experience.