Eddie Murphy is ready to take the Saturday Night Live stage again. The legendary comedian was honored at last night’s Golden Globes Awards Ceremony, taking home the prestigious Cecil B. DeMille prize for his work in film. In the event’s press room, Murphy was asked about his desire to return to the sketch comedy show that launched his illustrious career. When Murphy was just 19 years old, he joined SNL, where he brought hilarious characters like Mr. Robinson, Velvet Jones, and Clarence Walker to life. He served as the series host in 1982, 1984, and 2019.
Widely heralded as a King of Comedy, Murphy delivered one of the ceremony’s funniest moments during his acceptance speech. Providing the audience with advice to achieve success, he said: “Pay your taxes, mind your business and keep Will Smith’s wife’s name out of your f—— mouth.”
“Absolutely. Looking forward to going back and doing it. We would’ve did it this last year, but I was working on a movie. But I absolutely will go back and do it again. I’m so happy that I did.”
Eddy Murphy’s Illustrious and Expanding Career
Murphy exited SNL as a regular cast member in 1984 and went off to a successful film career with comedy hits like Coming to America, Dolemite is My Name, Harlem Nights, Boomerang, Dr. Doliitle, and Trading Places. In 2007, Murphy earned the Golden Globe Award for Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture for Dreamgirls.
His 2019 appearance on SNL earned Murphy an Emmy for Outstanding Guest Actor in a Comedy. During the episode, Murphy reprised some of his iconic characters from his original 1980s run.
During his time in the Golden Globes press room, Murphy was asked to share his thoughts on the current state of comedy. According to TV Insider, he joked: “I couldn’t say. You came in too hard.” Before adding: “I think comedy is just fine. There are a lot of funny people out there. There’s a bigger platform [to perform]… Comedy is just fine.”
And he should know, as his career in the genre continues to grow. He will next appear on Netflix’s You People opposite Jonah Hill. He will also star in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel Foley, the fourth installment in the Beverly Hills Cop film series, and the holiday film Candy Cane Lane, where he is joined by comedy greats like Tracee Ellis Ross, Nick Offerman, Chris Redd, and Jillian Bell.
