Norm Macdonald Explains Eddie Murphy’s Refusal to Betray Bill Cosby for SNL40

“Among many other things, this was to be the return of Eddie Murphy“. Comedian and SNL alum, Norm Macdonald took to Twitter on Wednesday evening in an effort to give a throrough account of the behind-the-scenes mayhem that ensued before the world was invited to the party.

The juicy details primarily revolve around Eddie Murphy’s brief appearance on SNL40 that left many of his fans feeling rather depraved. Turns out that Murphy was given the option to relieve his glory days but declined out of respect for another fellow comedian who has been weathering allegations of sexual misconduct.

Macdonald drafted a skit specifically for Murphy that positioned him to impersonate and ridicule Bill Cosby. It probably would have been epically hilarious not to mention the perfect launching pad for a revered genius whose contributions to Saturday Night Live surpasses reason.

But Murphy chose the high road and Kenan Thompson ended up as a contestant on “Celebrity Jeopardy” as Bill Cosby with the assistance of Will Ferrell (Alex Trebek). Macdonald (Burt Reynolds), Darrell Hammond (Sean Connery) and Kate McKinnon (Justin Bieber).

But the bad blood between Murphy and the institution that he called home during his formative years as a comic developed out of an ill-conceived sketch featuring David Spade back in the early 90’s. During the famed “Weekend Update” segment, Murphy’s picture appeared as Spade uttered the phrase “Look children, a falling star”.

It was a jarring and painful stab at the man who came to the rescue when SNL was flailing. Macdonald gave props to Murphy – acknowledging the massive role he played when the show was suffering from low ratings and lack of direction.

“Eddie, the man who, in Lorne’s absence, kept the show alive. Singlehandedly…Every Saturday at 11:30 Eddie Murphy, a kid, would fill 90 minutes with comedy. Impossible”.

Murphy never forgave his old stomping ground for the public ridicule and betrayal and steadfastly refused to be affiliated with SNL in any capacity. He famously turned down the opportunity to attend the 25^th anniversary in 1999 and shot down as any hopes of being a rotating host.

Macdonald also admits that he spent an hour trying to get Murphy to change his mind about doing the “Celebrity Jeopardy” skit – but obviously it was to no avail.

In the end Eddie Murphy wasn’t willing to give Bill Cosby the same treatment he had received not too long ago. And for that we alone we forgive him for his brief interlude.

Murphy may be one of the industry’s funniest but when it comes to the heart of the matter nobody is more appropriately genuine.