What was the name of the 1988 comedy in which Eddie Murphy, as an African prince, travels to New York to find a bride, and which person co-starred as his travel companion?

In the 1988 hit comedy "Coming to America," Eddie Murphy stars as Akeem Joffer, the crown prince of the fictional African nation of Zamunda. On his 21st birthday, Prince Akeem grows weary of his pampered lifestyle and rejects an arranged marriage, desiring a wife who will love him for who he is, not for his royal title. To find his true love, Akeem and his loyal best friend and personal aide, Semmi, travel to Queens, New York. His travel companion, Semmi, was played by comedian Arsenio Hall.

The film follows the duo as they pretend to be poor foreign students, renting a rundown apartment and taking jobs at a fast-food restaurant. This premise allows for a comedic exploration of cultural clashes and the immigrant experience. Both Murphy and Hall showcase their comedic versatility by playing multiple, heavily disguised characters in the film, including the opinionated old-timers at a local barbershop.

"Coming to America" was a major box office success and has since become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its humor and its positive representation of Black excellence and African royalty on the big screen. The film's enduring popularity led to a sequel, "Coming 2 America," which was released in 2021 with both Murphy and Hall reprising their iconic roles. The original film remains a beloved classic, remembered for its heartwarming story and the hilarious chemistry between Eddie Murphy and Arsenio Hall.