Eddie Murphy is opening up about a time he felt betrayed by Saturday Night Live (SNL), the very show that launched him to superstardom. In his new Netflix documentary, Being Eddie, Murphy revisits a 1995 episode where David Spade made a joke at his expense during a "Spade in America" segment. The joke referenced Murphy's film, Vampire in Brooklyn, which had underperformed at the box office.
"Look, children, it's a falling star. Make a wish," Spade quipped, displaying an image of Murphy. Murphy, who joined SNL at the young age of 19 and is credited with revitalizing the show, felt deeply hurt by the jab. He stated that it felt like his "alma mater taking a shot at you," leading him to cut ties with the show for many years.
Murphy recalls the audience hissing at Spade after the joke, indicating the audience's disapproval. He believes the multiple layers of approval the joke had to pass through made him take it even more personally. He contrasted the situation with the present day, suggesting a similar joke about a current cast member's failing career would likely be rejected by producers.
Family Support at Documentary Premiere
On a brighter note, Eddie Murphy recently made a rare public appearance with seven of his ten children at the red carpet premiere of Being Eddie. The comedian was surrounded by sons Eric, Christian, and Myles, and daughters Bria, Shayne, Bella, and Zola. He was also accompanied by his wife, Paige Butcher. The family's presence highlighted the strong support system Murphy enjoys.
A Look at Murphy's Children
- Eric, 36
- Christian, 34
- Myles, 33
- Bria, 35
- Shayne, 31
- Bella, 23
- Zola, 25
The documentary, Being Eddie, offers a glimpse into the life and career of the iconic comedian, showcasing both the highs and lows of his journey in the entertainment industry. From the sting of an SNL joke to the joy of family support, Murphy's story is one of resilience and enduring talent.