Joe Piscopo, a prominent figure in the comedy world, reflected on his time working with Eddie Murphy during the early years of ‘Saturday Night Live’. Piscopo joined the iconic sketch show in 1980 at the age of 28, just as Murphy, who was only 19, was beginning to make a name for himself. Their partnership on the show would go on to define a memorable era for SNL, blending Piscopo’s talent for impressions with Murphy’s natural comedic charisma.
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On April 18, 2026, Piscopo attended the American Film Institute’s 51st AFI Lifetime Achievement Award, which celebrated Murphy’s illustrious career. During this event, the 74-year-old comedian took a moment to appreciate the decades of memories spent working alongside Murphy. He expressed his gratitude for their time together, stating, “I am so grateful. I stand before you today, so grateful to have the magnificence of Eddie Murphy in my life on camera and off,” he told PEOPLE in an exclusive interview.
As Piscopo reminisced about their days at SNL, he acknowledged the stark contrast between himself and Murphy in their approaches to comedy. While Piscopo felt anxious and intimidated during his first few days on the job, Murphy exuded an innate confidence. “Eddie had a street swagger from day one,” Piscopo recalled, noting that while he painstakingly prepared for each sketch, Murphy’s approach was markedly different as he often refrained from even glancing at a script. This dynamic, rather than breeding competition, encouraged Piscopo to loosen up and embrace spontaneity.
The chemistry between the two performers blossomed as they worked together, creating a new rhythm that contributed to their success on the show. Piscopo spoke about how this synergy allowed them to thrive in the high-pressure environment of Saturday Night Live. “I think because of Eddie Murphy, we were able to have that synergy back and forth, alive,” Piscopo reflected.
Despite the glamour associated with their on-screen personas, Piscopo provided a glimpse into the hard work that took place behind the scenes. He recounted long nights where they would “hunker down” to brainstorm ideas for their sketches, often resulting in them staying up until dawn and occasionally falling asleep on couches. They relied on scant supplies for sustenance during these grueling work sessions. Piscopo humorously recalled that they were often fuelled by little more than “an apple machine”, but their dedication to entertaining their audience was unwavering.
Highlighting their commitment to their craft, Piscopo stated, “We weren’t drug guys. We weren’t doing drugs. We were just having fun and dedicated to having some fun on the air…it was a real joy for me.” This dedication played a pivotal role in the success of the sketches that would eventually become iconic.
Both Piscopo and Murphy brought their unique flair to the show, with Piscopo specialising in precise impersonations and quirky characters, while Murphy’s infectious charm captivated audiences. Their contrasting styles seamlessly merged to create some of the most memorable moments in ‘Saturday Night Live’ history, setting a standard for future generations of comedians.
Reflecting on Murphy’s young age during their time working together, Piscopo found inspiration in the sheer talent that the then-teenager displayed. With nearly a decade of experience under his belt, Piscopo realised that Murphy possessed a rare gift. He vividly recalled a poignant moment before a Weekend Update segment centred on one of Murphy’s ideas, where Murphy quietly remarked, “The kids at Roosevelt High will never believe this,” referring to his old high school in Long Island, New York. For Piscopo, this moment encapsulated the exceptional journey that both comedians were undertaking.
As Piscopo continues to cherish these memories, he remains a testament to the influence that Murphy had on his career and the broader landscape of comedy. Their experiences together not only shaped their careers but also left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment, demonstrating the lasting impact of collaboration, friendship, and the power of laughter.