Eddie Murphy is sinking his comedic teeth into David Spade over a 1995 joke, and it’s not just a nibble—it’s a full-on chomp!
Picture it: Eddie, 63, the comedy king of Saturday Night Live from 1980 to 1984, while Spade, 59, joined the SNL circus from 1990 to 1996. Eddie had left SNL for the glitzy lights of Hollywood, starring in a string of hits and the occasional “Vampire in Brooklyn.” Cue David Spade in 1995, flashing his comedic fangs during the “Weekend Update” segment, and saying, “Look children, it’s a falling star. Make a wish,” about Eddie’s film flop. Ouch!
Fast forward nearly 30 years, and Eddie’s still feeling the sting. In a recent New York Times’ The Interview podcast, he didn’t mince words, saying Spade’s joke was a low blow and—brace yourself—“racist.”
“Most people leave SNL and vanish like a puff of smoke. But me? I’m the exception!” Eddie declared, recounting his reaction to Spade’s quip. “I was like, ‘Seriously? My career? You’re joking about my career?’ It was a cheap shot, man. And racist. Totally racist.”
Eddie, the self-proclaimed biggest star ever to leap from SNL’s comedy trampoline, is not just annoyed with Spade. He’s wagging his finger at the SNL producers too. “I saved that show from extinction, and then they let Spade take a swipe at me? I mean, c’mon! He didn’t just blurt it out; that joke had to clear some hurdles. So yeah, producers, I’m looking at you too.”
And Eddie’s got a point. “You never hear anyone crack jokes about their castmates’ careers on that show,” he grumbled, probably while adjusting his crown of comedy gold.
Eddie Murphy vs. David Spade: the joke that just won’t die, much like that “Vampire in Brooklyn.” Will there be a comedic truce, or will the funny feud continue? Stay tuned and keep those wishful thoughts ready!
