Eddie Murphy Reflects on Early Days at Saturday Night Live

New York, NY — Eddie Murphy, the iconic comedian and actor, shared memories from his early days on Saturday Night Live during an interview on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon.

Murphy joined the cast of SNL at just 19 years old in Season 6. He quickly made a name for himself with memorable characters, including Mister Robinson. In a recent interview, he discussed what it was like to be one of the youngest cast members at the time.

“So you get on the show, you’re 19 — what was it like?” Fallon asked. Murphy admitted he missed out on many of the afterparties that SNL castmates frequented. “I only went to an afterparty once,” he revealed.

Murphy explained that being the only Black person and teenager on the show made him reluctant to join the parties. Instead, he often preferred to spend time at Bentley's, a popular New York City nightclub in the 1980s. “That was the hot spot back in the ’80s,” he recalled.

He recounted a memorable invitation from music legend Johnny Cash, who hosted an episode of SNL during Murphy’s time on the show. “Johnny Cash said to me, ‘You coming to the party, Eddie?’ I said, ‘I don’t know.’ He says, ‘Because [wife June Carter] and I sure do love you,’” Murphy shared, illustrating the invitation with an impression of Cash.

Johnny Cash’s only SNL appearance was in Season 7, where he performed songs such as “I Walk the Line” and “Folsom Prison Blues.”

When Murphy returned to host SNL for the third time in December 2019, he found that much remained the same from his initial stint. “It is a lot like going back to your old high school, or going back to college,” he said. “It’s kind of surreal.”

In February 2025, he participated in SNL’s 50th Anniversary Special, showcasing his comedic talents in sketches including a noted Tracy Morgan impression and a segment with Will Ferrell.

Murphy’s journey from a young cast member to a comedy legend highlights the influential nature of SNL in shaping careers. Fans can catch all 50 seasons of Saturday Night Live on Peacock.