Eddie Murphy Criticizes SNL Over Jokes About His Movie’s Failure
Eddie Murphy has recently shared insights about his long-standing absence from “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in his Netflix documentary, “Being Eddie.” His distance from the iconic show can be traced back to a 1995 joke made by David Spade during his “Weekend Update” segment.
Eddie Murphy’s Historic Link to SNL
Murphy began his comedy career on SNL from 1980 to 1984. His presence on the show was instrumental in revitalizing its ratings, establishing him as a comedy star. However, Murphy’s successful film career faced challenges after he left the show, notably with the release of the 1995 horror-comedy film “Vampire in Brooklyn,” which performed poorly at the box office.
The Impact of David Spade’s Joke
During SNL, Spade made a joke about Murphy’s movie career, saying, “Look, children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish!” This remark, perceived as hurtful by Murphy, contributed to his decision to stay away from the show for many years. In the documentary, Murphy expressed that he felt betrayed by SNL, the platform that had initially made him a household name.
Reflections from Eddie Murphy
Murphy stated, “I was like, hurt. My feelings were hurt. It’s like your alma mater taking a shot at you.” He emphasized that his frustration was not aimed at Spade personally but at SNL as a whole. He elaborated on the hurtful nature of the joke, stating that a similar comment about any other SNL cast member would not have made it to air.
David Spade’s Apology
In his 2015 memoir, Spade reflected on the backlash from the joke, admitting it was more severe than he anticipated. He expressed a desire to apologize to Murphy but felt overwhelmed by the situation. Spade acknowledged Murphy as one of his favorite comedians, admitting he never intended to offend him.
Murphy’s Return to SNL
After decades away, Murphy made a brief return for the 40th anniversary of SNL in 2015. He later hosted the Christmas episode in 2019, marking a significant reconnection with the show. Murphy stated, “SNL is part of my history… I don’t have smoke with no David Spade.”
Availability of Being Eddie
“Being Eddie” is now available for streaming on Netflix, providing fans with a candid look at Murphy’s career and his reflections on his relationship with SNL.
