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Eddie Murphy plays Prince Akeem, Randy Watson, Saul and Clarence in what would become a hallmark of his films.
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The successful comedian went on to star in movies like the Nutty Professor remakes, the Doctor Dolittle films and the Shrek franchise.
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Arsenio Hall played Akeem’s right-hand man, Semmi. Like Murphy, Hall played other roles including Reverend Brown, Morris the Barber and a Female Clubgoer.
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Hall is best known for hosting the late-night Arsenio Hall Show, which ran from 1989 to 1994 and from 2013 to 2014.
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Prince Akeem’s father, King Jaffe Joffer, is played by James Earl Jones.
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Jones is well known for his distinctive voice work as Darth Vader in Star Wars and Mufasa in The Lion King.
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John Amos played the protective father of Lisa, Akeem’s love interest.
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Amos has had roles in The West Wing, Men in Trees, Two and a Half Men, 30 Rock, and more.
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Headley plays Lisa, the oldest daughter of Cleo McDowell. Akeem instantly feels an attraction to her.
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Shari Headley continues to act. Recently she was in The Haves and the Have Nots and Switched at Birth.
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Eriq La Salle played Lisa’s obnoxious boyfriend, Darryl Jenks.
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La Salle is arguably best known for his role as abrasive surgical resident Dr. Peter Benton on NBC's hit ER.
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Samuel L. Jackson played a robber attacking McDowell’s, the film's version of McDonald's.
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Jackson has gone on to have a full career, appearing in movies like Pulp Fiction, Die Hard with a Vengeance, Snakes on a Plane and numerous Marvel movies.
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Vondie Curtis-Hall played a vendor at a basketball game.
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Curtis-Hall has since become a recognizable face, appearing in movies like Romeo and Juliet and Come Sunday as well as TV shows like For the People, Daredevil and ER.
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Garcelle Beauvais played a rose bearer in Coming to America, throwing flowers on the floor ahead of King Jaffe.
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Beauvais became well-known for her role on The Jamie Foxx Show and has credits in Spider-Man: Homecoming and White House Down.
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Cuba Gooding Jr. made his film debut in Coming to America. He was credited as "boy getting haircut."
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He has starred in movies like Boyz n the Hood, As Good as It Gets and Jerry Maguire, for which he won the best supporting actor Oscar.
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