Key Highlights
- Eddie Murphy opens up about being deeply hurt by David Spade’s ‘falling star’ joke on ‘Saturday Night Live.’
- The comedian believes the joke had racist undertones and felt like a personal attack.
- Murphy’s discontent with the joke kept him away from ‘SNL’ for decades until his return in 2015.
- Murphy and Spade have since reconciled, and Murphy hosted ‘SNL’ again in 2019.
(livesinsight.com) – Eddie Murphy, one of the most notable alumni of ‘Saturday Night Live,’ has candidly discussed the impact of a controversial joke made by fellow comedian David Spade during the ‘Weekend Update’ segment on the show. The joke, which aired in December 1995, referred to Murphy as a ‘falling star’ following the box office failure of his movie ‘Vampire in Brooklyn.’ This comment went through the show’s usual approval process, leading Murphy to feel that the entire institution was complicit in the attack. He interpreted the joke as not only a professional slight but also felt it carried racist implications. Murphy’s reaction was so strong that it led to a decades-long absence from the show, despite his significant contributions to ‘SNL’ during his tenure from 1980 to 1984. However, time has healed the wounds, and Murphy has since reconciled with both Spade and ‘SNL’ creator Lorne Michaels, leading to a highly acclaimed return to the show in 2019.
Eddie Murphy and His Legacy on ‘Saturday Night Live’
Eddie Murphy’s tenure on ‘Saturday Night Live’ is often credited with saving the show during a turbulent period in the early 1980s. Joining the cast in 1980, Murphy quickly became one of the standout performers, thanks to memorable characters like Gumby, Buckwheat, and Mr. Robinson. His sharp wit and dynamic presence not only captivated audiences but also revitalized the show’s ratings. By the time he left in 1984, Murphy had cemented his status as a comedy icon, paving the way for a successful film career that included hits like ‘Beverly Hills Cop’ and ‘Coming to America.’ However, his later years saw a few missteps, most notably the 1995 film ‘Vampire in Brooklyn,’ which underperformed both critically and commercially. It was against this backdrop that David Spade’s infamous ‘falling star’ joke was made, striking a particularly sensitive nerve for Murphy, who had once been the linchpin of ‘SNL’s’ success.
The Controversial Joke and Its Aftermath
The joke that David Spade made about Eddie Murphy during the December 1995 ‘Weekend Update’ segment was more than just a throwaway line. As Spade pointed to a photo of Murphy and quipped, ‘Look children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish,’ the comment seemed to trivialize Murphy’s contributions to comedy and ‘SNL.’ For Murphy, who had always taken great pride in his work, the joke felt like an unwarranted personal attack. In a subsequent interview with the New York Times, Murphy revealed that he felt the joke was not only a cheap shot but also had racist undertones. Murphy’s reaction was compounded by the fact that the joke had passed through several layers of approval, making him feel as though the entire ‘SNL’ institution was complicit. This incident deeply affected Murphy, contributing to his decision to distance himself from the show for many years.
David Spade’s Perspective and Reconciliation
David Spade, known for his dry humor and irreverent style, found himself at the center of a storm following the joke about Eddie Murphy. In his memoir, Spade recounted that he felt terrible about the incident and acknowledged that it had been a misstep. He understood why Murphy was hurt and admitted that the joke had been in poor taste. The two comedians eventually had a phone conversation where Spade apologized, and Murphy expressed his displeasure. Over time, both have moved past the incident. Spade’s willingness to own up to his mistake and Murphy’s ability to forgive were crucial steps in their reconciliation. By 2019, Murphy felt comfortable enough to return to ‘SNL,’ where he received rave reviews for his performance. This return marked a significant moment of closure for Murphy, allowing him to reestablish his relationship with the show and its current cast.
The Long Road to Murphy’s ‘SNL’ Comeback
Eddie Murphy’s absence from ‘Saturday Night Live’ was a significant gap, especially considering his monumental impact on the show. Despite his grievances, Murphy was always aware of the platform and influence ‘SNL’ provided. His return in 2015 for the show’s 40th anniversary was a tentative step towards reconciliation, but it wasn’t until 2019 that he fully embraced the idea of hosting again. During his 2019 hosting gig, Murphy brought back some of his classic characters, delighting both old fans and new viewers. The episode was a ratings smash, proving that Murphy’s comedic genius had lost none of its luster. This successful return was a testament to Murphy’s enduring talent and his ability to transcend past controversies. It also highlighted the importance of forgiveness and the potential for professional relationships to heal and evolve.
Current Relations and Future Prospects
Today, Eddie Murphy and David Spade are on good terms, and Murphy’s relationship with ‘Saturday Night Live’ is stronger than ever. In interviews, Murphy has expressed his satisfaction with how things have turned out, emphasizing that he’s now ‘cool with everybody.’ His return to ‘SNL’ and the positive reception it garnered have helped to put the past behind him. Looking forward, Murphy continues to be a significant figure in entertainment, with various projects in the pipeline. His ability to navigate through professional and personal challenges while maintaining his status as a comedy legend is a testament to his resilience. As for Spade, he too has continued to thrive in his career, showing that even a moment of controversy can lead to growth and understanding. Their story serves as a reminder of the complexities of professional relationships in the entertainment industry and the potential for reconciliation and renewal.