Eddie Murphy’s Return to Saturday Night Live: The Feud with David Spade and 20-Year Absence

Eddie Murphy’s Return to Saturday Night Live After 20 Years

Saturday Night Live has been a staple of American comedy for decades, with some of its most memorable moments coming from the legendary Eddie Murphy. Murphy joined the cast in 1980 at just 19 years old and quickly became a fan favorite during his five-year tenure on the show.

After leaving SNL, Murphy went on to star in hit movies like “Coming to America” and “Mulan,” solidifying his status as a Hollywood superstar. Despite his success, Murphy always held a special place in his heart for SNL, calling it the best place for him to have been.

However, it took Murphy a whopping 20 years to return to the show that launched his career. In a recent interview with the New York Times, Murphy revealed that a joke made by fellow SNL alum David Spade in 1995 was the reason for his prolonged absence.

Spade’s joke, made during his “Hollywood Minute” sketch, poked fun at Murphy’s career following the release of the film “Vampire in Brooklyn.” Murphy was deeply hurt by the comment, feeling that it was a cheap shot with racist undertones.

Despite the tension between them, Murphy and Spade eventually buried the hatchet after two decades, allowing Murphy to finally return to SNL for its 40th anniversary in 2015. Since then, Murphy has also hosted the show in 2019, delighting fans with his comedic genius once again.

The long-awaited return of Eddie Murphy to SNL was a momentous occasion for fans and the comedy world alike, marking the end of a decades-long feud and the beginning of a new chapter for one of the greatest comedians of our time.