Spike TV announces all-star tribute to Eddie Murphy

Eddie Murphy may or may not ever follow through on his promise to make a comeback to the stand-up comedy stage.

But one thing is certain to happen in 2012.

Thirty years after Eddie Murphy became a superstar through his comedy performances as a stand-up (the concert film, “Delirious”), movie actor (48 Hrs.) and sketch player (Saturday Night Live), Spike TV will produce and broadcast an all-star tribute to him. “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only” will tape on Saturday, Nov. 3, 2012, at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles, and will air on Friday, Nov. 16 on Spike TV.

It’ll be done in conjunction with Don Mischer Productions, with Vernon Lynch — creative consultant for Eddie Murphy Productions — serving as executive producer.

A site already is up and running online with blog posts, videos and more for the Eddie Murphy: One Night Only tribute.

“Eddie’s impact on comedy is immeasurable,” said Casey Patterson, Executive Vice President of Event Production for Viacom Media Networks Entertainment Group.  “At 19, he changed the face of sketch comedy forever on ‘Saturday Night Live’ and within four years released “48 Hrs,” “Delirious,” and “Beverly Hills Cop” making him one of the biggest stand-up and movie stars in the world, all before the age of 24 and he’s never stopped evolving, innovating and entertaining.”

Murphy also was honored in 2011 by Comedy Central with the Icon Award at the inaugural Comedy Awards.

UPDATED (10/25/12): Talent lined up to pay tribute to Murphy will include Jamie Foxx, Adam Sandler, Tyler Perry, Keenen Ivory Wayans and Nick Nolte.   In addition, The Roots will perform throughout the evening as the show’s house band.  “Eddie Murphy: One Night Only” will tape on Saturday, Nov. 3 at the Saban Theatre in Los Angeles and will air on Wednesday, Nov. 14.   Previously announced talent includes Chris Rock, Samuel L. Jackson, Tracy Morgan, Arsenio Hall, Brett Ratner, Charlie Murphy, Jeffrey Katzenberg, and Martin Lawrence.

Sean L. McCarthy

Editor and publisher since 2007, when he was named New York's Funniest Reporter. Former newspaper reporter at the New York Daily News, Boston Herald and smaller dailies and community papers across America. Loves comedy so much he founded this site.

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