In his new Netflix documentary 'Being Eddie,' Eddie Murphy opens up about staying away from 'Saturday Night Live' for decades due to a 1995 joke by David Spade mocking his film flop 'Vampire in Brooklyn.' The comedian explains his hurt feelings led to resentment toward the show, not Spade personally. Murphy eventually returned for milestone specials and episodes starting in 2015.
Background on Murphy's SNL Tenure
Eddie Murphy joined 'Saturday Night Live' as a cast member in 1980 at age 19 and quickly became a breakout star. His characters, such as 'Mr. Robinson's Neighborhood' and his Buckwheat impression, helped revitalize the show during a challenging period. He left the cast in 1984 to pursue a successful film career, including hits like '48 Hours,' 'Trading Places,' and 'Beverly Hills Cop.'
The 1995 Joke That Sparked the Rift
Murphy's box office fortunes shifted in the early 1990s, with films like 'The Distinguished Gentleman' and 'Vampire in Brooklyn' underperforming. The latter, a 1995 horror comedy directed by Wes Craven, drew a pointed joke from David Spade on 'SNL's' Weekend Update. Spade quipped, 'Look, children, it's a falling star. Make a wish! You make a Hollywood minute omelet, you break some eggs,' as Murphy's image appeared on screen. The audience reportedly booed the remark.
In 'Being Eddie,' Murphy shares, 'My feelings was hurt... It's like your alma mater taking a shot at you.' He emphasizes the joke passed through 'SNL's' approval channels, leading him to direct his anger at the show: 'Oh, f–k "SNL." F–k y'all. How y'all going to do this s–t?' Previously, Murphy had called the joke 'racist,' but now clarifies his issue was with the program's treatment of his career.
Spade later reflected in his 2015 memoir on the backlash: 'The reaction... was so much worse than I had imagined... I had worshipped this dude for years... And now he hated me.'
Reconciliation and Returns
Murphy avoided 'SNL' for over three decades until the show's 40th anniversary special in February 2015, where he made a brief appearance. He hosted the Christmas episode in 2019 and featured in the 'SNL50' anniversary special this year, including sketches with Will Ferrell and an impression of Tracy Morgan.
Reflecting in the documentary, Murphy says, 'SNL is part of my history. I need to reconnect with that show... That little friction that I had with "SNL" was 35 years ago. I don't have no smoke with no David Spade.' 'Being Eddie' is now streaming on Netflix.