Tim, Tom, and Eddie: Celebrity Mural on a Detroit Corner

As you drive down E. Grand Boulevard in Detroit and reach where it intersects with Beaubien Street, you may want to take notice of an old brick building next to a shut down and deserted gas station. On the wall is artwork that online maps refer to as the “Robocop Mural”.

True, the character of Robocop is featured in this painting, but it’s the other three images that make people stop and take pictures: the likenesses of Tim Allen, Tom Selleck, and Eddie Murphy...all have Michigan connections.

Tim Allen may have been born in Denver, Colorado, but after his father died, his mom re-married and moved to Birmingham, Michigan. It was here where Tim went to high school, attended college, and began doing standup in local comedy clubs. His caricature shows him at his “Tool Time” best painting around a window.

Get our free mobile app

Tom Selleck was born in Detroit in 1945...however, his time here was only three years. In 1948 his family moved to California.

Eddie Murphy was not born in Michigan, nor did he ever live here...but his role as Axel Foley in the “Beverly Hills Cop” films cemented him with a Michigan connection. In fact, the fourth installment of that film series was shot in Michigan and was released on July 2, 2024.

So if you’re ever in the vicinity of Grand Boulevard and Beaubien Street in Detroit, stop and get a few photos and a selfie...

MORE MICHIGANIA: