Coming to America stars Eddie Murphy as Prince Akeem, Arsenio Hall as Semmi, and Shari Headley as Lisa McDowell, in a comic tale of an African prince seeking true love in Queens, New York.
Main cast
- Prince Akeem / Clarence / Randy Watson / SaulEddie MurphyMain
- Semmi / Reverend Brown / Morris / Extremely Ugly GuyArsenio HallMain
- King Jaffe JofferJames Earl JonesMain
- Lisa McDowellShari HeadleyMain
- Cleo McDowellJohn AmosMain
- Queen AoleonMadge SinclairMain
Supporting cast
- MauriceLouie AndersonSupp
- Imani IzziVanessa Bell CallowaySupp
- Colonel IzziCalvin LockhartSupp
- Patrice McDowellAllison DeanSupp
- OhaEriq La SalleSupp
- Darryl JenksEriq La SalleSupp
Guest & voice
- Rosa (the maid)Garcelle BeauvaisGuest
- The King’s Royal BarberSamuel L. JacksonGuest
- Girl in Barbershop / VariousCuba Gooding Jr.Guest
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About this cast
Coming to America is a 1988 romantic comedy directed by John Landis. Prince Akeem of Zamunda (Eddie Murphy) travels to Queens, New York, to find a wife who will love him for who he is, not his wealth. The film features an ensemble cast, with Murphy and Arsenio Hall playing multiple roles, and is celebrated for its vibrant costumes, quotable lines, and heartwarming story.
FAQs
Who plays Prince Akeem in Coming to America?
Eddie Murphy plays Prince Akeem, the heir to the throne of the fictional African kingdom of Zamunda. He also portrays several other characters in the film through makeup and prosthetics.
Who plays Semmi in Coming to America?
Semmi, Akeem’s loyal but mischievous sidekick, is played by Arsenio Hall. Hall also takes on multiple roles, including the Reverend Brown and the barbershop owner Morris.
Is Coming to America based on a true story?
No, Coming to America is a fictional comedy. However, the story was inspired by Eddie Murphy’s desire to make a film that celebrated African culture and told a modern-day fairy tale.
How many roles did Eddie Murphy play in Coming to America?
Eddie Murphy played four distinct roles: Prince Akeem, the old Jewish barbershop customer Clarence, the aging soul singer Randy Watson, and the stand-up comedian Saul in the barbershop scene.
Who appears in the famous barbershop scene?
The barbershop scene features Eddie Murphy as Clarence and Saul, Arsenio Hall as Morris, and guest appearances by Samuel L. Jackson as the barber, among others.
Sources & where to watch: IMDb · Wikipedia · Where to watch (JustWatch UK) · Updated June 2026