Eddie Murphy has finally opened up about his decision to stay away from “Saturday Night Live” for decades in his new Netflix documentary, “Being Eddie.” The root of his absence dates back to a joke made by David Spade on “SNL” in 1995 about Murphy’s struggling movie career. While Murphy initially labeled the joke as “racist,” he clarifies in the documentary that his frustration was directed towards the show as a whole rather than Spade individually. It’s worth noting that “SNL” played a pivotal role in launching Murphy’s comedy career, and he, in turn, helped boost the show’s ratings during his time as a cast member from 1980 to 1984.
A turning point came for Murphy after the release of the box office disaster “Vampire in Brooklyn,” directed by Wes Craven. Spade took a jab at the film’s poor reception during a “Weekend Update” segment, causing Murphy to feel hurt and disheartened by the audience’s reaction to the joke. This incident led Murphy to harbor resentment towards “SNL” for years, as he felt betrayed by his alma mater taking a shot at his career.
Despite the lingering animosity, Murphy eventually made a return to “SNL” by making a brief appearance at the show’s 40th-anniversary special in 2015 and later hosting the 2019 Christmas episode. Reflecting on his decision to come back, Murphy expressed a desire to reconnect with his roots and put the past behind him. He emphasized that his feud with “SNL” was a thing of the past and that he held no grudges against Spade or anyone else involved.
Spade, in his 2015 memoir, described the aftermath of his joke towards Murphy as overwhelming, expressing regret for the unintended consequences of his actions. He admitted to feeling devastated by Murphy’s harsh reaction and the impact it had on their relationship.
“Being Eddie” offers viewers a glimpse into Murphy’s personal journey and sheds light on the complexities of his relationship with “SNL.” The documentary is now available for streaming on Netflix, giving fans a closer look at the iconic comedian’s life and career.
