‘Eddie Murphy Feud’ Traces Back to One Hollywood Minute Joke
*Eddie Murphy’s 30-year feud with “Saturday Night Live” started with a single joke from David Spade in 1995. The joke mocked Murphy’s career dip, just as he was trying to reinvent himself with a serious role in “Vampire in Brooklyn.”
During a “Hollywood Minute” segment on the May 20, 1995, SNL episode, Spade held up a photo of Murphy and said, “Look children, it’s a falling star! Aren’t you glad you didn’t wish for it?” That one-liner changed everything.
‘Vampire in Brooklyn’ Marked Murphy’s First Serious Role
In “Vampire in Brooklyn,” Murphy played Maximillian, a stylish vampire searching for his lost love in modern-day New York. The film, directed by horror icon Wes Craven, was a major shift from Murphy’s usual comedic roles.
The role demanded more dramatic energy and less manic humor. Critics recognized it as his first serious character, even though the movie blended comedy and horror. Sadly, it flopped at the box office, as noted by Far Out magazine.
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David Spade’s Joke Hit Murphy When He Was Vulnerable
Coming off a string of flops, Murphy took the SNL jab personally. At the time, he saw “Vampire in Brooklyn” as a creative risk that could revive his career. The insult felt like betrayal, especially from the show he once helped save.
Murphy reportedly called the joke “malicious” and even suggested it had racial undertones. He believed the show rarely mocked white alumni the same way during their career lows.
The Eddie Murphy Feud With SNL Deepened Over Time
Following the 1995 incident, Murphy refused to return to SNL for years. He skipped major events like the 25th and 35th anniversaries. Even when Spade faxed an apology, Murphy ignored it.
“There’s a lot of stuff that I can say about Saturday Night Live, but I won’t,” Murphy told Parade in 2011, keeping the feud alive in the public eye.
Timeline of the Eddie Murphy Feud With SNL
- 1980–1984: Murphy saves SNL as a young star, creates iconic characters.
- 1995: Spade’s joke airs; Murphy distances himself from the show.
- 2011: Murphy publicly criticizes SNL in interviews.
- 2019: Appears at SNL’s 45th anniversary, but ignores Spade.
- 2024: Finally makes peace with Spade after 30 years.
Spade Later Admitted His Joke Was “Mean-Spirited”
Years later, David Spade acknowledged the damage the joke caused. On “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” in 2020, he said, “He was in a bad place… I didn’t realize how bad.”
In his 2022 memoir, Spade called the comment “mean-spirited” and said he regretted doing it. While SNL producer Lorne Michaels backed him at the time, even he later softened his stance.
‘Vampire in Brooklyn’ Was a Turning Point in Murphy’s Career
Despite its early failure, “Vampire in Brooklyn” gained a cult following over time. Fans began to appreciate Murphy’s dark, charismatic performance and Wes Craven’s unique direction.
The film also helped pave the way for Murphy’s later success in dramatic roles, including his Oscar-nominated turn in “Dreamgirls” (2006).
By 2024, Eddie Murphy Feud Ends on a Peaceful Note
While promoting “Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F” in 2024, Murphy told The New York Times that he and Spade had finally talked.
“David Spade and I talked about it… It’s water under the bridge,” Murphy said. The two now reportedly laugh about the long-standing feud.
Why the Eddie Murphy Feud Still Resonates With Fans
The feud became a symbol of how deep comedy cuts can linger—especially when tied to career slumps, race, and respect. For many fans, it showed a vulnerable side of Murphy that was rarely seen.
Today, with Murphy’s film career rebounding and his dramatic talents finally getting their due, the saga serves as a full-circle moment. What started as a painful insult became a lesson in growth, forgiveness and artistic resilience.
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