David Spade Shares His Journey from Super Fan to Feuding with Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy; David Spade.
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Bryan Steffy/Getty; Matt Winkelmeyer/FilmMagic

David Spade Reflects on Past Feud with Eddie Murphy

David Spade recently revisited his tumultuous relationship with Eddie Murphy, stemming from a sketch on Saturday Night Live over 25 years ago, during an episode of his podcast, Fly on the Wall.

Spade, now 61, recounted the 1995 sketch in which he joked about Murphy, saying, "Look children, it’s a falling star, make a wish," as Murphy’s photo appeared on screen. This joke, labeled "racist" by Murphy, not only altered their dynamic but sparked a feuding period that both have since worked to resolve.

"I do love Eddie Murphy," Spade shared with guest Dana Carvey on his podcast. He described the transition from being a devoted fan to facing Murphy’s disdain as "weird," noting his ongoing efforts to mend their relationship over the subsequent years.

David Spade on Spade in America: Hollywood Minute – Saturday Night Live in 1995.

NBC

During his podcast conversation, Spade explained that he was still new to SNL when he made the joke. "I made fun of him and it didn’t go well, and he called me and we had it out," Spade recalled, adding that he felt guilty about the joke and understood Murphy’s perspective, given his status as a hero to many, including Spade.

The pair have since reconciled. Referring to their chance encounter at SNL‘s 50th anniversary special in February, Spade noted that Murphy confirmed their friendship had been restored. “We talked a little bit and everything’s fine," Spade said. "He said, ‘Yeah, we’re all good.’”

Carvey, also reflecting on the situation, emphasized the wisdom of time in healing wounds, stating, “Time heals all wounds, and later on you go, ‘Well, really, what was I so upset about?’”

Spade remarked on the lightness of their recent interaction, expressing that there were no hard feelings left between them. “We were friendly. There was no weird vibes at the show,” he stated.

In a June 2024 interview, Murphy also addressed the incident, reiterating his feelings at the time when he described the joke as a "cheap shot" that hurt him. He clarified that his frustration was not just with Spade, but with the overall situation, given the timing surrounding the release of his film Vampire in Brooklyn.

Now, both comedians have seemingly moved past the incident. Murphy concluded, "I’m cool with everybody. It’s all love."