Eddie Murphy’s Iconic Return: SNL Legends Revived for Unforgettable Night
Eddie Murphy’s Return to SNL
- Eddie Murphy hosted SNL in 2019 after a 35-year absence
- He received a warm welcome from the audience
- Murphy joked about being a boring stay-at-home dad
Eddie Murphy’s highly anticipated return to Saturday Night Live in December 2019 marked a significant milestone in the iconic comedian’s career. After a 35-year hiatus from the show that catapulted him to stardom, Murphy graced the Studio 8H stage to thunderous applause from the audience. His hosting gig was not just a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a testament to his enduring comedic genius and cultural impact. During his monologue, Murphy playfully acknowledged his transformation from a brash, edgy performer to a mellowed, family-oriented “boring stay-at-home dad.” This self-deprecating humor showcased his ability to poke fun at himself and his evolution as a person, a trait that has endeared him to audiences throughout his career. Murphy’s return was particularly poignant given the show’s significance in his artistic journey. It was on the SNL stage that he honed his skills and captured the attention of the legendary James Brown, who was so impressed by Murphy’s celebrity hot tub skit that he personally suggested the comedian portray him in a biopic. This anecdote underscores the profound influence Murphy had on the entertainment industry, even in his formative years. Thirty years after his departure from SNL, Murphy found himself back at 30 Rockefeller Plaza, this time to promote his long-awaited sequel, “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F.” His appearance was a full-circle moment, reminding audiences of his versatility as an actor and his ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and dramatic roles. Murphy’s triumphant return to SNL was not merely a nostalgic trip down memory lane but a celebration of his enduring comedic genius and cultural impact. It showcased his growth as a performer, his willingness to embrace change, and his ability to connect with audiences across generations. For fans and industry insiders alike, it was a night to remember, cementing Murphy’s status as a true icon of American comedy.
Further Reading
| James Brown Wanted Eddie Murphy to Play Him in a Biopic After SNL Sketch | James Brown liked Eddie Murphy’s celebrity hot tub skit on “SNL” so much that he suggested the comedian play him in a biopic. | |
| Eddie Murphy Reminisces About His Time At 30 Rock On The Tonight Show’ & ‘Late Night’ | Eddie Murphy was back at 30 Rock to promote his latest movie Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F – thirty years after leaving Saturday Night Live. | |
| Eddie Murphy Returns to ‘Saturday Night Live’ | Eddie Murphy Returns to ‘Saturday Night Live’. Murphy, who helped keep ‘S.N.L.’ alive in the ’80s, hosted for the first time in 35 years, with… |
Classic Eddie Murphy Sketches
- Murphy revived classic sketches like ‘Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood’ and ‘Gumby’
- Iconic character Buckwheat made an appearance on ‘The Masked Singer’ sketch
- Murphy’s comedic talents were on full display
Eddie Murphy’s return to the Saturday Night Live stage was a nostalgic trip down memory lane, as the comedy icon revived some of his most beloved sketches from his time as a cast member in the 1980s. The audience erupted in thunderous applause when Murphy slipped back into his iconic characters, proving that his comedic genius has stood the test of time. One of the standout moments was the revival of “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood,” a parody of the children’s show “Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood.” Murphy’s portrayal of the gruff, sarcastic Mr. Robinson was a hilarious contrast to the gentle, nurturing persona of the original character. His biting wit and irreverent humor brought the sketch to new heights, leaving the audience in stitches. Another classic that made a triumphant return was the claymation spoof “Gumby.” Murphy’s impeccable timing and physical comedy skills were on full display as he breathed new life into the beloved green character. His ability to seamlessly switch between characters and mimic their distinct mannerisms was a testament to his versatility as a performer. Perhaps the most anticipated moment of the night was the appearance of Buckwheat, the beloved character from the “Little Rascals” sketches. Murphy’s portrayal of the mischievous yet endearing Buckwheat was a highlight of his SNL tenure, and his return in the “Masked Singer” sketch was a nostalgic nod to his iconic legacy. Throughout the night, Murphy’s comedic talents were on full display, reminding viewers why he has remained a celebrated figure in the world of comedy. His ability to effortlessly blend physical comedy, impersonations, and biting social commentary is a rare gift that has cemented his place as one of the greatest comedians of all time. While Saturday Night Live has welcomed countless talented performers over the years, Eddie Murphy’s legacy stands out as a shining beacon of comedic excellence. His classic sketches have transcended generations, inspiring countless aspiring comedians and leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.
Further Reading
| SNL: The 30 Best Skits Of All Time, Ranked | Saturday Night Live has been on the air since 1975, with lots of iconic sketches over the decades. Here are some of the best SNL skits of… | |
| One Of Eddie Murphy’s SNL Bits Encouraged Keegan-Michael Key To Pursue Sketch Comedy, And It’s A True Classic | One Of Eddie Murphy’s SNL Bits Encouraged Keegan-Michael Key To Pursue Sketch Comedy, And It’s A True Classic … Which classic Eddie Murphy SNL… | |
| When Eddie Murphy Got Into James Brown’s Hot Tub | Eddie Murphy impersonated James Brown three times during his ‘Saturday Night Live’ tenure. |
Eddie Murphy’s Impact on SNL
- Murphy acknowledged his significant impact on SNL
- He joked that he should have been in every sketch
- Murphy is credited with saving SNL in the early 1980s
Eddie Murphy’s tenure on Saturday Night Live during the early 1980s is widely regarded as a pivotal moment in the show’s history, revitalizing the iconic sketch comedy series during a period of declining ratings and creative struggles. His impact was so profound that many credit him with single-handedly saving SNL from potential cancellation. Murphy’s comedic genius and fearless performances made him an instant standout from the moment he joined the cast in 1980 at the tender age of 19. His ability to effortlessly slip into a wide range of characters, from the eccentric Buckwheat to the brash Velvet Jones, captivated audiences and quickly established him as a driving force behind the show’s resurgence. His iconic sketches, such as “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood” and “James Brown’s Celebrity Hot Tub Party,” have become ingrained in pop culture lore, showcasing Murphy’s uncanny talent for physical comedy and impersonations. His portrayal of Stevie Wonder in particular remains one of the most memorable and hilarious moments in SNL history. Beyond his on-screen brilliance, Murphy’s influence extended behind the scenes as well. His dedication to pushing creative boundaries and willingness to take risks inspired his fellow cast members and writers, fostering an environment that encouraged experimentation and bold comedic choices. While Murphy’s tenure on SNL was relatively brief, spanning just four seasons, his impact on the show’s legacy and the careers of countless comedians who followed in his footsteps cannot be overstated. His memorable quotes, from “I’m gonna grape you in the mouth!” to “Kill my landlord? That’s a good idea,” have become cherished catchphrases for generations of fans. Even decades after his departure, Eddie Murphy’s name remains inextricably linked with Saturday Night Live, a testament to the indelible mark he left on one of the most iconic and influential comedy shows in television history.
Further Reading
| Eddie Murphy’s 32 Funniest Lines From His SNL Days | Our choices for some of SNL star Eddie Murphy’s funniest quotes from the show. | |
| Eddie Murphy’s Net Worth (2024) From Movies, Comedy | Find out Eddie Murphy’s net worth in 2024 and how he made it, including his income from “Shrek,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” Coming to America,”… | |
| Keegan-Michael Key reveals ‘SNL’ moment that made him go into comedy | Keegan-Michael Key remembers the Eddie Murphy ‘SNL’ moment that marked the first time he heard his dad laugh in his new book ‘The History of… |
