By JOHN DALY
Eddie Murphy revived his most beloved characters Mr. Robinson, Gumby, and Buckwheat as “The Masked Singer” to host the “Saturday Night Live” Christmas show.
Murphy brought thunderous applause during the monologue, during which he was joined by Kenan Thompson, Tracy Morgan, Chris Rock and Dave Chapelle. The 8-time Grammy nominated Lizzo was musical guest.
Murphy gave young viewers a first-hand look at his 1980s characters like Buckwheat, who came out as as a corn cob in a “The Masked Singer” skit, and Mr. Robinson who updated viewers in a skit called “Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood 2019.”
Murphy left the show in 1984 and went on to have a solid feature film career, including “Trading Places,” “48 Hours,” “Beverly Hills Cop,” “Dr. Dolittle,” “Dreamgirls,” and “Coming To America.”
The SNL skits on the Christmas show updated Murphy’s characters for today and included modern references to social media and gentrification.
Pitching the hot Netflix film “Dolemite Is My Name,” and his recently-wrapped film “Coming To America 2,” Murphy brought down the house at 50 Rock. In addition to Buckwheat and Mr. Robinson, Murphy also brought back characters Velvet Jones and the always-enraged New York-talking Gumby (Dammit).
During the monologue, Murphy informed viewers he had a new baby, and said he has 10 kids now.
“If you had told me 30 years ago that I would be this boring stay at home house dad and Bill Cosby would be in jail even I would have taken that bet,” he said.
The Masked Singer – Buckwheat
Velvet Jones on Black Jeopardy:
Weekend Update Gumby Returns:
Mr. Robinson’s Neighborhood:
