Charlie Murphy, comedian and actor, dead at 57

April 12 (UPI) -- Comedian and actor Charlie Murphy died Wednesday at age 57.

Murphy's publicist, Domenick Nati, confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter that the Chappelle's Show alum died after a battle with leukemia.

TMZ reported Murphy, the elder brother of actor Eddie Murphy, died in a New York hospital. Sources said the star's family was "absolutely shocked" by his death because they thought he was improving.

Murphy came to fame as a writer and recurring performer on Chappelle's Show, which had a three-season run on Comedy Central. He memorably appeared with star Dave Chappelle in skits about Rick James and Prince.

Murphy also co-wrote Eddie Murphy's movies Vampire in Brooklyn and Norbit, and had roles on the Adult Swim series The Boondocks and Black Jesus. He will appear posthumously in Season 4 of the Starz series Power.

"We just lost one of the funniest most real brothers of all time . Charlie Murphy RIP," fellow comedian Chris Rock tweeted Wednesday.

"Sad to hear about the passing of Charlie Murphy. He was one funny, kind man. Sending love and light to his family and friends," music mogul Russell Simmons added.

Murphy's wife, Tisha Taylor Murphy, died in 2009 of cervical cancer. The comedian is survived by Eddie Murphy, half-brother Vernon Lynch, Jr., and three children.