In a recent episode of The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, actor and comedian Eddie Murphy took a trip down memory lane, reminiscing about one of his iconic sketches from his time on Saturday Night Live. The sketch in question was the “Celebrity Hot Tub Party” featuring the legendary James Brown.
Murphy revealed that he didn’t initially find the sketch funny until they actually performed it. The skit was written by Barry Blaustein and David Sheffield, who had previously collaborated with Murphy on hits like “Coming to America,” “Boomerang,” and “Nutty Professor.” These writers were responsible for much of the classic material on Saturday Night Live, and Murphy admitted that he didn’t fully grasp the humor until they brought it to life on stage.
The concept of the sketch was quite bizarre, with James Brown in a hot tub. Murphy admitted that he didn’t understand the joke at first, but suspected it may have been inspired by some herbal influences. Nevertheless, when he heard the idea, he couldn’t help but think, “James Brown in a hot tub?!” The sketch turned out to be a hit, with the audience erupting in laughter and applause.
The skit featured James Brown performing his signature funky music while sitting in a hot tub. The lyrics included lines like, “Hot tub, gonna make me sweat,” and “Rub-a-dub in the hot tub.” The energy and enthusiasm of both Murphy and Brown made the sketch a memorable and entertaining moment in television history.
During the interview, Murphy also shared some interesting anecdotes about his interactions with James Brown off camera. He mentioned a time when Brown suggested Murphy should portray him in a film about his life. Brown believed that if Murphy took the role seriously, people would take it seriously too. Apparently, Brown saw something in Murphy’s performances that made him the perfect fit for bringing his story to the big screen.
Murphy also recounted a peculiar encounter backstage where Brown advised him to bury his money in the woods. According to Brown, this was a way to secure his finances and protect it from potential government interference. Murphy couldn’t help but chuckle at the memory, imagining James Brown out in the South, digging up his money from various spots in the woods.
As the interview came to a close, Murphy expressed his admiration for James Brown‘s cool and laid-back demeanor. He recalled being nervous about meeting the music legend but was surprised when Brown told him to simply call him James. Brown even shared some unconventional financial advice, suggesting that burying money in the woods was a foolproof method to safeguard it from the government’s grasp.
In this entertaining and insightful interview, Eddie Murphy brought back the laughter and memories associated with the “Celebrity Hot Tub Party” sketch. He showcased his appreciation for the talented writers behind the scenes and shared amusing stories about his interactions with the iconic James Brown. It’s moments like these that remind us of the magic and creativity found in the world of talk shows and comedy.
