Eddie Murphy Reveals Why He Opted Out of 'SNL 40' Gig as Bill Cosby
Nobody does a better Bill Cosby impression than the legendary comedian, Eddie Murphy. Back in the 80s, Murphy reprised the 78-year-old actor in the "Saturday Night Live", but when he was asked to do it again in the variety show's 40th year, the funnyman turned the offer down.
In a lengthy interview with The Washington Post, Murphy said he declined to do the role because nothing is funny about Cosby when he was asked to play the role again.
"It was the biggest thing in the news at the time," Murphy told The Washington Post. "I can see why they thought it would be funny, and the sketch that Norm [Macdonald] wrote was hysterical."
Murphy also added that doing the sketch is just horrible. "If you get up there and you crack jokes about him, you're just hurting people. You're hurting him. You're hurting his accusers. I was like, 'Hey, I'm coming back to SNL for the anniversary, I'm not turning my moment on the show into this other thing,'" he added.
The comedian also mentioned that he "totally understood" why "SNL" wanted him to do the stint, given his impressive reenactment of Cosby back when he was still with "SNL."
He was so close to doing the job, but ultimately, instead of playing as Cosby for the segment "Celebrity Jeopardy", Murphy changed his mind last minute. Murphy emerged in "Saturday Night Live" only to surprise his audience that he would not do anything more than thanking them. Instead of Murphy, Kenan Thompson took over the Bill Cosby role.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, Murphy's "SNL" co-alumni and creator of the "Celebrity Jeopardy" segment, Norm Macdonald seemed to be fine with the funnyman's ditching as he said that he knew Murphy knows what will work best for "SNL" than anyone else. For Murphy, Macdonald said that "the laughs are not worth it."
Macdonald also said he knew Murphy is the kind of person who will not kick a man when he's down. "Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs" Macdonald added.
According to an NBC News report, Cosby thanked Murphy for refusing to do the role. The embattled comedian said through his spokeperson that he is very appreciative of Murphy and as well as his actions.
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