Tue Apr 29 23:50:00 UTC 2025: ## Eddie Murphy Recalls His Surprisingly Solitary SNL After-Party Life
**New York, NY** – Eddie Murphy, the legendary comedian and Saturday Night Live alum, recently recounted his experiences as a 19-year-old cast member on the iconic show during a 2019 interview with fellow SNL alum Jimmy Fallon. While many associate SNL with wild after-parties, Murphy revealed a surprisingly different experience.
Unlike the legendary party scene often portrayed, Murphy stated he only attended one after-party during his four-year tenure (Seasons 6-9). He attributed this to being the only Black teenager in the cast at the time, feeling isolated from the established social circles. Instead, Murphy frequented New York City’s Bentley’s nightclub.
His sole after-party attendance was at the invitation of country music legend Johnny Cash, who hosted an episode during Murphy’s run. Cash personally invited Murphy, leading to a memorable evening spent with the “Man in Black” and his wife, June Carter Cash.
Murphy’s recent return to SNL in 2019 and 2025, for his third hosting gig and the 50th-anniversary special respectively, revealed a largely unchanged show structure, which he likened to returning to high school or college. His performances in sketches like “Black Jeopardy” and “Scared Straight” showcased his enduring comedic talent. While Anthony Michael Hall holds the record for the youngest SNL cast member, Murphy’s unique experiences as a young, Black performer in the 1980s offer a fascinating insight into the show’s history.
First Piper 