The Uncanny Impression: 5 Reasons Eddie Murphy's Tracy Morgan Impersonation Stole The SNL Anniversary Show

As of December 13, 2025, the legendary comedic genius of Eddie Murphy remains unmatched, particularly his uncanny ability to channel the essence of fellow comedians. While his classic impressions of figures like Gumby and Buckwheat are etched in comedy history, his "pitch-perfect" impersonation of Tracy Morgan stands out as a modern masterclass in comedic mimicry, a moment that instantly went viral and reminded the world of his unparalleled talent.

This unforgettable moment occurred during a star-studded reunion on the Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special (SNL 40) in 2015, specifically during the fan-favorite "Black Jeopardy" sketch. The appearance was significant, marking Murphy's first time back on the SNL stage in decades, and he chose to use the platform not to revive an old character, but to honor a contemporary—by flawlessly embodying Tracy Morgan, who was sitting right next to him.

Comedic Royalty: A Dual Biography of Eddie Murphy and Tracy Morgan

The brilliance of the impression lies in the deep, shared history between the two comedians. Both are alumni of the iconic Saturday Night Live cast and have established themselves as dominant voices in American comedy. To fully appreciate the moment, it helps to understand the careers that led them to the same stage.

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Eddie Murphy: The SNL Legend and Hollywood Icon

• Birth Name: Edward Regan Murphy
• Born: April 3, 1961, in Brooklyn, New York, U.S.
• Profession: Actor, Comedian, Singer, Writer, Producer.
• Career Breakthrough: Joined Saturday Night Live in 1980 at age 19, becoming one of the show's biggest stars and often credited with saving the program during a ratings slump.
• Notable Works: Stand-up specials (*Delirious*, *Raw*), films (*Beverly Hills Cop* series, *Coming to America*, *The Nutty Professor*, *Dreamgirls*—for which he received an Academy Award nomination).
• Legacy: Universally regarded as one of the greatest stand-up comedians and impressionists of all time.

Tracy Morgan: The Unpredictable Force of Comedy

• Birth Name: Tracy Jamal Morgan
• Born: November 10, 1968, in The Bronx, New York, U.S.
• Profession: Stand-up Comedian, Actor.
• Career Breakthrough: Was a cast member on Saturday Night Live for seven seasons (1996–2003).
• Notable Works: Known for his role as the erratic movie star Tracy Jordan on the Emmy and Golden Globe-winning sitcom *30 Rock*, and his own show, *The Last O.G.*
• Health Context: A longtime sufferer from diabetes; his recovery from a near-fatal 2014 car accident added a layer of poignancy and resilience to his public persona.

The Moment That Stole the Show: Black Jeopardy at SNL 40

The stage for this legendary impression was set during the *SNL 40: The Anniversary Special*, which aired on February 15, 2015. Eddie Murphy's return to the show, where he had launched his career, was already highly anticipated.

The "Black Jeopardy" sketch, hosted by Kenan Thompson's character, Darnell Hayes, is a recurring favorite that flips the traditional game show format, exploring cultural knowledge and perspectives. For the anniversary special, the panel was a powerhouse of Black comedic talent: Leslie Jones, the actual Tracy Morgan, and Eddie Murphy, playing a version of Morgan's character from *30 Rock* (Tracy Jordan) but with a distinct Morgan-esque delivery.

The sketch’s premise had Morgan's character struggling to understand the rules of the game, leading to a hilarious exchange. Murphy, playing the part, delivered a "pitch-perfect" portrayal, capturing the unique cadence, facial expressions, and unpredictable logic of Morgan.

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One of the most quoted lines from the sketch involved a category called "Things You Can’t Eat." When the clue appeared, Murphy, as Morgan, declared his refusal to eat any lasagna with fewer than three cheeses, a line that perfectly encapsulated the character's absurd yet confident pronouncements.

The Art of Imitation: Why Murphy's Impression Was Pitch-Perfect

What made Murphy’s impersonation so successful was its subtlety and its focus on the physical and vocal nuances that define Tracy Morgan’s comedic style. This was not a broad caricature, but a deeply observed performance.

Murphy nailed the physical presence, including Morgan’s signature deadpan frown and his tendency to lean into the microphone with an air of intense, misplaced certainty. The vocal impression was equally spot-on, capturing Morgan's distinct, slightly slurred, and often frantic speech patterns.

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The true measure of success came from the man himself. Tracy Morgan, who was sitting just feet away during the performance, was visibly cracking up, unable to contain his laughter. He later gave "props" to Murphy, noting that he "totally nailed" the facial expression. The impression was a moment of genuine camaraderie, a tribute from one legend to another.

Beyond the Morgan impression, Murphy even layered in a quick, flawless Steve Harvey impersonation during the same sketch, shouting out "What is Showtime at the Apollo?" This showcase of multiple, high-quality impressions in a single moment solidified the sketch as an instant classic and a highlight of the entire anniversary special.

A Legacy of Laughs: Eddie Murphy's Iconic SNL Impressions

The Tracy Morgan impersonation is a vital addition to Eddie Murphy's long list of iconic characters and impressions from his time on *Saturday Night Live*. His ability to transform into vastly different personalities is a cornerstone of his legendary status.

Murphy's impressions are often characterized by their chaotic energy and ability to blend accuracy with ridiculousness. They are not just imitations; they are fully realized characters.

The Pantheon of Eddie Murphy's SNL Impressions:

• Gumby: The claymation character turned into an irritable, cigar-chomping Hollywood sellout who constantly demanded respect: "I'm Gumby, dammit!"
• Buckwheat: A beloved, yet completely unintelligible, character from the *Our Gang* shorts, whose bizarre singing and mispronunciations became wildly popular.
• Mister Robinson: A parody of Fred Rogers' *Mister Rogers' Neighborhood*, where Murphy played a street-wise, often criminal, version of the friendly neighbor.
• James Brown: The Godfather of Soul, often featured in sketches like "James Brown's Celebrity Hot Tub Party," showcasing a frantic, accurate, and over-the-top portrayal.
• Stevie Wonder: A recurring impression that was both accurate and affectionately funny.
• Velvet Jones: A smooth-talking pimp who would pitch ridiculous self-help books like "I Wanna Be a Ho."

The Tracy Morgan impression, unlike many of his older characters, was a tribute to a peer, demonstrating his continued relevance and his mastery of modern comedic voices. It was a perfect blend of nostalgia and contemporary comedy, ensuring that the legacy of both Murphy and Morgan continues to resonate with new generations of fans. The moment proved that even after decades away, Eddie Murphy remains the gold standard for comedic impressions, capable of stealing the show with just a frown and a few well-placed, absurd lines about cheese.