David Spade and Eddie Murphy Finally Reconcile After 25-Year Feud
NEW YORK, N.Y. — After a quarter-century of simmering tension, comedians Eddie Murphy and David Spade have moved past a feud that began with a controversial joke on Saturday Night Live in 1995. The incident, which Murphy described as “personal” and even “racist,” kept the legendary actor away from the iconic sketch show for two decades. But recent conversations suggest the longtime rivals have finally found common ground.
The feud traces back to a Weekend Update segment where Spade, then a newly minted anchor, mocked Murphy’s critically panned film Vampire in Brooklyn. As Murphy’s image appeared on screen, Spade quipped, “Look, children, a falling star. Make a wish.” The joke, intended as satire, struck a nerve with Murphy, who later told The New York Times that the remark was more than just a jab—it was a racial slight that felt deeply personal. “Most people that get off that show, they don’t go on and have these amazing careers. It was personal,” Murphy said in a 2024 interview.
Murphy’s hurt was so profound that he refused to appear on SNL for 20 years, describing the experience as akin to his “alma mater taking a shot at you.” The audience’s negative reaction to Spade’s joke only compounded the pain, leaving Murphy feeling publicly betrayed.
David Spade addressed the long-standing feud during a recent episode of his Fly on the Wall podcast with Dana Carvey. He acknowledged the awkward transition from being a fan of Murphy to becoming the target of his ire overnight. “It was weird going from being a super fan to having him hate me overnight, and to try to win him back for the last 25 years,” Spade said.
Spade recounted how Murphy had called him directly after the joke aired, leading to a tense conversation where Murphy “had it out” while Spade chose not to fight back. “I did feel a little guilty about it,” Spade admitted. “He did make some sense, I just didn’t like that because he was a hero.”
Since then, the two have crossed paths only a handful of times, including at the 50th anniversary celebration of SNL, where they spoke briefly. Spade noted that Murphy publicly confirmed their reconciliation, stating, “We talked a little bit and everything’s fine. And then they asked him about it and he said, ‘Yeah, we’re all good.’ So yeah, we’re all good.”
This resolution comes amid a broader cultural conversation about comedy, race, and the boundaries of satire. The National Endowment for the Arts highlights the evolving nature of humor and its impact on social dialogue, emphasizing how comedians often navigate complex cultural terrains (arts.gov).
Both Murphy and Spade have contributed significantly to American comedy, with Murphy’s groundbreaking work on SNL and in film, and Spade’s sharp wit and memorable roles in television and movies. Their reconciliation marks a poignant moment in entertainment history, underscoring the capacity for forgiveness and growth.
For those interested in the history of SNL and its cultural impact, the Library of Congress maintains extensive archives documenting the show’s legacy. Meanwhile, the Federal Communications Commission oversees broadcast standards that shape how comedy is presented on television, reflecting changing societal norms.
As the comedy world moves forward, the Murphy-Spade story serves as a reminder of the personal dimensions behind public humor and the possibility of reconciliation even after decades of discord.
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