Back to the Stage: Eddie Murphy's Triumphant Return to SNL and the Bonds That Define Comedy
- Jan 3
- 3 min read
Behind the Laughter: Eddie Murphy's Triumphant Return to SNL and the Bonds of Comedy
Michael Che is reflecting on a pivotal moment in the world of live comedy, specifically his time on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), where he served as a cast member for over a decade. Che spoke candidly about the pressure surrounding Eddie Murphy's highly anticipated return to the show after a 35-year hiatus in December 2019. The atmosphere was charged with excitement and tension, as Che described it as one of the most stressful days he experienced on set. “It was like scary almost,” he admitted, acknowledging the weight of expectation. The stakes were particularly high; any misstep could tarnish the legacy of one of comedy’s greatest icons.
Eddie Murphy, now 64, was an SNL cast member from 1980 to 1984, and his reunion with the show was a monumental event. Following a long estrangement from SNL, stemmed partly from a quip by former co-star David Spade in 1995, Murphy was poised to reclaim his comedic throne. Lorne Michaels, the legendary creator of SNL, sought to craft a more personal and intimate opening monologue for Murphy, recognizing that audiences were eager to hear him speak after so many years. Che noted that Murphy approached this moment with a blend of excitement and caution, reflecting the extraordinary expectations from fans and comedians alike.
The reunion was made even more special with the participation of former SNL stars such as Chris Rock, Tracy Morgan, and Dave Chappelle, who joined Murphy on stage, paying homage to the influence he had on their careers. The presence of these comedy heavyweights underscored the monumental nature of the evening. Chappelle expressed his enthusiasm for the night, calling it one of the most exhilarating experiences of his career. Morgan echoed this sentiment, reinforcing the belief that they were all part of a historical moment in comedy.
The camaraderie among the comedians was palpable, and Che recalled an interesting scene during rehearsals. In his dressing room, he witnessed Rock and Chappelle excitedly calling their mothers to share the big news: they were part of the Eddie Murphy show. This sheer joy highlighted the significance of the moment not just for Murphy but for the entire comedy community. Rock later described the episode as one of the greatest SNL broadcasts in history. After the show, he approached Michaels, humorously suggesting that he should quit while he was ahead, acknowledging that such an iconic return would be hard to top.
Interestingly, the history between Murphy and Spade adds a layer of complexity to the reunion. Their contentious relationship started back in the mid-90s when Spade made a joke about Murphy during a sketch. This moment led to a long-standing feud, with Spade admitting that he felt the sting of suddenly going from being a champion of Murphy’s work to being hated by his idol. Despite the rough patch, Spade has been open about his admiration for Murphy, stating, “I do love Eddie Murphy.” Their strained relationship lasted nearly three decades, but the two finally reconciled during SNL’s 50th-anniversary celebration. Spade confirmed that they had a chance to talk things over, leading to a public declaration from Murphy that they were “all good.” This reconciliation not only provided closure but also demonstrated the power of respect and forgiveness in the world of comedy.
Eddie Murphy’s return to SNL wasn’t just a one-time event; he made a notable comeback again in 2025 for the show’s 50th-anniversary special. Reflecting on the experience, Murphy expressed that being back on the legendary stage was invigorating. “My creative energy, everything had been turned back up to 10,” he said. This statement speaks not only to his passion for comedy but also highlights the joy of being surrounded by peers who share a common purpose: to entertain and uplift through laughter.
The whirlwind surrounding Murphy's SNL returns sheds light on the intricate dynamics of Hollywood, where reputations and relationships can be fragile yet resilient. These narratives of reconciliation and celebration among comedy elites paint a larger picture of what it means to thrive in an industry so often defined by competition and rivalry. Comedy, at its core, is about connection—whether through shared experiences on the stage or the healing that comes with mending old wounds.
As Michael Che, Eddie Murphy, and their peers reflect on these transformative moments, they remind us all of the importance of vulnerability, creativity, and, most importantly, the bonds forged in the crucible of comedy. Whether facing the pressures of high expectations or navigating the complexities of professional relationships, these artists continue to redefine what it means to leave a lasting impact on the world of entertainment. Ultimately, their stories are less about the individual moments of success and more about the shared journey of laughter that binds them together.
Comments