David Spade’s 25-Year Journey to Reconcile with Hero Eddie Murphy
David Spade has navigated a complex relationship with legendary comedian Eddie Murphy, largely stemming from a controversial joke made on Saturday Night Live (SNL) over 25 years ago. In a recent episode of his podcast, Fly on the Wall, Spade discussed the lasting impact of his quip, which aimed at Murphy’s declining box office success at the time.
Background of the Controversy
The infamous joke occurred during a “Spade in America” segment on December 9, 1995. Spade, who was new to the SNL cast, made light of Murphy’s film, Vampire in Brooklyn, which grossed under $20 million.
- Date of Joke: December 9, 1995
- Film Referenced: Vampire in Brooklyn
- Box Office Gross: Under $20 million
Spade’s Reflections on the Joke
In the podcast, Spade expressed the challenges of transitioning from an admirer to a target of Murphy’s anger. He recalled their initial confrontation following his joke, stating, “It was weird going from being a super fan to having him hate me overnight.” Although Murphy was upset, he clarified that his frustration was more directed at SNL rather than at Spade personally.
Despite the tension, Spade noted that he has made efforts to reconnect with Murphy over the years. “I’ve seen him once or twice [since]. And…everything’s fine,” he said, referring to their interaction during the SNL 50th anniversary special.
The Long Road to Reconciliation
Spike spoke about Murphy’s long hiatus from SNL which began after the incident. He was the only major cast member not to attend the 25th anniversary special in 1999. Murphy eventually returned for the show’s 40th anniversary in 2015 and hosted again in 2019.
Commentary from Industry Insiders
In hindsight, Lorne Michaels, the executive producer of SNL, admitted it was a mistake to allow the joke to air, acknowledging that it may have caused significant hurt. “I didn’t really think about it,” he noted, “but Eddie did.”
The Evolution of Their Relationship
Spade’s acknowledgment of his past missteps reflects a journey filled with effort to mend ties with Murphy. He reminisced about their encounter before the SNL 50th special, where Murphy was receptive to a greeting. “He was super cool,” Spade recounted, demonstrating a willingness for forgiveness and moving forward.
As the two comedians navigate their past, it becomes clear that the comedy landscape has evolved significantly since the mid-90s, further emphasizing the importance of mutual respect and understanding within the industry.
