Eddie Murphy’s triumphant return to Saturday Night Live during the show’s 40th anniversary special wasn’t as triumphant as many had hoped. The comedian didn’t appear in any skits and only got about 30 seconds of screen time. Well, according to Norm Macdonald, Murphy had the chance to play Bill Cosby during the “Celebrity Jeopardy” sketch but Murphy refused.
MacDonald told his Twitter followers a few interesting stories about the Saturday Night Live special last night. In addition to a few amusing anecdotes about Bill Murray and Mike Meyers, MacDonald also talked about Eddie Murphy and Bill Cosby.
Among many other things, this show was to be the return of Eddie Murphy.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie, the man who, in Lorne's absence, kept the show alive. Singlehandedly.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
To every comedian who ever performed on SNL, what Eddie accomplished was unthinkable.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
And the idea was that it would be a bar set. And the idea was that Cosby would be mixing a drink in a video that was taped 6 months ago.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
The iconic doors would open and on to home base would step Eddie Murphy. The audience would know what to do.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Why is Eddie wearing a multi-colored sweater?He steps behind the bar, begins mixing a drink. The audience covers the fact he has not spoken.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
When he speaks, he is Cosby. Eddie Murphy doing a perfect Cosby impression. The audience does not let him finish. The sketch ends.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
The first thing to do is cut down the number of contestant/impressions and the second is to contact Eddie and to convince him to do it.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
So, the talks were underway. "Brett says Eddie doesn't feel comfortable", "Eddie says 'maybe it's ok since he's doing pre-allegation Cosby"
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
And on and on it went. I had not spoken to Eddie or @BrettRatner. I was dead sure Eddie would do it. Most others were not.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
It's my job to talk him in to doing Jeopardy.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
We talk in his dressing room a good hour. When it's over, I'm convinced he'll do it.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
He doesn't.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
He knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie Murphy is the coolest, a rockstar even in a room with actual rockstars.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Bill Cosby’s reputation has been obliterated over the last several months. Several women have accused the comedian of rape which has forced Cosby to cancel appearances and basically go into hiding.
Needless to say, Cosby appreciated Murphy’s decision.
A spokesperson for Cosby said: “I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions.”
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