While the recent 40th anniversary episode of Saturday Night Live had its highs and lows, the general consensus was that “Celebrity Jeopardy” was one of the top sketches, while Eddie Murphy’s jokeless monologue was a bizarre low moment. But according to Norm Macdonald, Murphy was supposed to have a role in “Celebrity Jeopardy” that would have been perfect, only he refused to do it.
In a fascinating 110-part Twitter rant that lasted over two hours, Norm detailed the entire week leading up to SNL40, inlcuding the late writing nights, surreal celebrity sightings, and the negotiations with Murphy over whether he would appear as Bill Cosby in the “Jeopardy” sketch.
The entire Tweet series is worth a read (Mashable has the whole thing catalogued in order), but the key part starts when Macdonald talks about brainstorming ideas for the “Jeopardy” sketch with longtime SNL writer (and Late Night with Jimmy Fallon announcer) Steve Higgins.
Higgins had the idea. A video daily double.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
The category would be potent potables, a common one on Jeopardy, but one we somehow had never done.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
And the idea was that it would be a bar set. And the idea was that Cosby would be mixing a drink in a video that was taped 6 months ago.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
At the end of the sketch, Darrel would choose potent potables. Homebase would be dressed as a bar.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
The iconic doors would open and on to home base would step Eddie Murphy. The audience would know what to do.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Why is Eddie wearing a multi-colored sweater?He steps behind the bar, begins mixing a drink. The audience covers the fact he has not spoken.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
When he speaks, he is Cosby. Eddie Murphy doing a perfect Cosby impression. The audience does not let him finish. The sketch ends.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Sounds like a great idea, right? Except that when the writers tried to reach Murphy, he had filmmaker Brett Ratner spiritually advising him on all SNL decisions.
The middle man to talk to Eddie was @BrettRatner, a cool guy who knows a great deal about comedy. He was with Eddie somewhere.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
So, the talks were underway. “Brett says Eddie doesn’t feel comfortable”, “Eddie says ‘maybe it’s ok since he’s doing pre-allegation Cosby”
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
And on and on it went. I had not spoken to Eddie or @BrettRatner. I was dead sure Eddie would do it. Most others were not.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Yes, Eddie, because the guy who got you to star in Tower Heist is a good judgment of quality entertainment.
Despite the setback, Macdonald went into Saturday thinking Murphy would do the bit. Then, as they were reaching zero hour on Saturday, Murphy arrived.
And then comes Eddie.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Rock says, “There he is. Like Ali in Zaire.” Eddie, Bomaye.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
It’s my job to talk him in to doing Jeopardy.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
We talk in his dressing room a good hour. When it’s over, I’m convinced he’ll do it.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
He doesn’t.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Disappointed as he may have been, Norm made sure to go above and beyond in his praise for Murphy and his decision not to imitate Cosby.
He knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
Eddie Murphy is the coolest, a rockstar even in a room with actual rockstars.
— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015
To be fair, the reason Murphy stayed away from SNL for so long was a joke David Spade made on the show about his failing movie career, so he may be averse to kicking a comedian when he’s down.
Still, it’s a shame the sketch had Kenan Thompson play Cosby knowing Murphy has this pitch-perfect Cosby impression in his arsenal.
