Eddie Murphy Rejects ‘SNL’ Return after David Spade’s Insult

Eddie Murphy, the legendary comedian and former “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) star, recently addressed his complicated relationship with the iconic show in his Netflix documentary titled “Being Eddie.” Reflecting on a long-standing grievance, he expressed feeling betrayed by SNL for a joke made by David Spade in 1995.

Eddie Murphy’s SNL Journey

Murphy was a prominent cast member on SNL from 1980 to 1984, significantly contributing to its early success. However, an incident during a segment called “Hollywood Minute” caused a rift between Murphy and the show. Spade, referencing Murphy’s box office failure with the movie “Vampire in Brooklyn,” called him a “falling star,” which deeply hurt Murphy.

Impact of Spade’s Joke

• Spade’s joke aired in 1995.
• The comment characterized Murphy as a “falling star.”
• Murphy felt it was a betrayal from his former show.

In “Being Eddie,” Murphy stated, “It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you.” He held SNL accountable for allowing such humor to air, emphasizing that if a similar joke were made today, it would likely be censured before reaching the audience.

Reconciliation and Return to SNL

Despite the lingering feelings of resentment, Murphy decided to bury the hatchet. Nearly 25 years after the incident, he returned to host SNL in December 2019. His motivation was to remind audiences of his talent and heritage with the show.

Murphy acknowledged the importance of reconnecting with SNL, stating, “SNL is part of my history.” He emphasized the need to mend fences and move forward, having since reconciled with both the show and Spade.

Mutual Understanding Between Murphy and Spade

In a later interview, Murphy described the incident as a cheap shot that felt racially motivated. However, he ultimately stated that he has no hard feelings now, affirming, “I’m cool with everybody.”

David Spade, reflecting on the joke in his memoir “Almost Interesting,” expressed understanding of Murphy’s pain and acknowledged the consequences of rough humor. He admitted he could relate to the discomfort of being on the receiving end of jokes.

Conclusion

Through his candid reflections, Eddie Murphy not only addresses past grievances but also showcases the growth and maturity in his relationship with SNL and its members. “Being Eddie” highlights the evolution of Murphy’s career and his journey towards reconciliation in the comedy world.