URGENT UPDATE: Chris Rock has revealed a surprising recommendation he made to SNL creator Lorne Michaels following Eddie Murphy’s monumental return to Saturday Night Live in 2019. This disclosure comes from the newly released Netflix documentary, Being Eddie, where Rock, alongside comedians Tracy Morgan and Dave Chappelle, reflects on the iconic moment.
Murphy’s return marked a historic moment for SNL, occurring over three decades after he last appeared on the show. Rock described the episode as “one of the greatest SNLs ever,” emphasizing its significance. In a candid moment featured in the documentary, Rock approached Michaels right after the show and suggested, “You should quit right now. It’s not gonna get any better than this.”
Eddie Murphy, who was instrumental in revitalizing SNL during its toughest times in the early 1980s, had not returned to the show for 35 years. His last episode aired on February 25, 1984, following a tumultuous period for the show. The comedian’s absence was reportedly influenced by a joke made at his expense by David Spade, which kept him away from the iconic stage.
When Murphy finally returned in 2019, it was a spectacle that fans and fellow comedians had long anticipated. The SNL episode featured a monologue that was a collaboration between Murphy and Rock, Chappelle, and Morgan, all of whom added their unique flair to the historic night. The excitement surrounding the episode was palpable, and Rock’s suggestion to Michaels underlines the moment’s significance.
In Being Eddie, Murphy discusses how Michaels orchestrated this reunion of comedy legends, making it clear that the return was a collaborative triumph. The documentary, now available for streaming on Netflix, dives deeper into the legacy of Murphy and the profound impact he has had on the comedy landscape.
This revelation from Rock not only highlights the emotional weight of Murphy’s SNL return but also showcases the camaraderie among some of the biggest names in comedy today. Murphy’s influence on SNL cannot be overstated, and the documentary illustrates the lasting bond created among these comedians who grew up watching and learning from him.
As viewers tune into Being Eddie, they can expect to relive the magic of that unforgettable night in 2019, a testament to the enduring legacy of Eddie Murphy and the show that helped catapult him to stardom.
Fans and comedy enthusiasts around the world are encouraged to check out the documentary to gain insights into one of SNL’s most celebrated episodes and the stories behind the scenes. Rock’s candid remarks about Michaels further underscore the significance of this event in the show’s history, making it a must-watch for anyone interested in comedy and television history.