Eddie Murphy, one of Saturday Night Live’s most famous and successful alumni, but one who has long been estranged from the show, is finally returning.
He will take part in SNL’s 40th anniversary special on February 15, in what will mark his first appearance on the iconic show in more than 30 years.
The comedian, 53, first revealed his plans to News One Now.
“It just never worked out where the timing was right for me to do it,” he said of his absence. “They’re having a 40th anniversary … I’m going to that.”
“And that will be the first time I’ve been back since I left.”
Murphy’s last SNL appearance came on December 15, 1984, as host. That was 10 months after he appeared in his final show as a cast member.
He joined the show that gave him his big break in 1981 at age 19, and remains the second-youngest performer in its history, according to NBC.
His memorable SNL characters included Buckwheat, a hardened, cynical showbiz veteran Gumby and Mr. Robinson, a spoof of Mr. Rogers.
For reasons he declined to elaborate on, Murphy, despite his success, has sat out various reunions, retrospectives and SNL events over the years.
He’s achieved more box office success than any SNL alum ever, yet has kept the show at arm’s length. Why, no one has been able to pinpoint.
It’s awesome that he’s finally booked a return in any case.