Eddie Murphy’s Tracy Morgan impression on SNL 50 Black Jeopardy sketch goes viral

Eddie Murphy hilariously impersonates Tracy Morgan in SNL 50’s Black Jeopardy sketch.

Eddie Murphy delivered a hilarious impersonation of Tracy Morgan during the Black Jeopardy! sketch on Saturday Night Live’s 50th Anniversary Special, which aired on February 16, 2025. The special, held at 30 Rockefeller Center in New York City, featured several SNL legends, but Murphy’s performance quickly went viral, earning praise from fans.

The sketch, a revival of the popular Black Jeopardy! segment, had Murphy playing Morgan, while the real Tracy Morgan, 56, stood beside him as a fictional contestant named Darius. Kenan Thompson reprised his role as host Darnell Hayes, with Leslie Jones also appearing as a competitor named Shanise.

Murphy, 63, fully committed to the impression, wearing a red printed jacket, black turtleneck, and a large gold chain with Morgan’s initials. Meanwhile, Morgan sported a black and white checkered button-down shirt. The Beverly Hills Cop star mimicked Morgan’s signature speaking style, enthusiastically declaring, “Big dog gonna make some big money!”

At one point, Thompson’s character noted that Murphy and Morgan seemed like they “might be related.” Murphy leaned into the joke, replying, “James Earl Jones is my biological father… He impregnated my mother on the set of ‘Claudine’ on Edgecombe Avenue in Harlem.” The response referenced Murphy’s 1988 film Coming to America, where Jones played his on-screen father. Morgan, staying in character, deadpanned, “I don’t see it.”

The sketch quickly went viral, with fans praising Murphy’s spot-on impression. "Only Eddie Murphy can do Tracy Morgan better than Tracy Morgan," one fan commented on SNL’s YouTube video. Another user wrote, “Whoever came up with Eddie Murphy impersonating Tracy Morgan needs a raise.”

As one of SNL’s most celebrated alumni, Murphy’s return for the anniversary special delivered the perfect blend of nostalgia and fresh comedy. His unforgettable performance proved once again why he remains a comedic powerhouse, bringing fans laughter and memories from his iconic days on SNL.