Eddie Murphy didn't want to play Bill Cosby on 'SNL' special, says Norm MacDonald

NEW YORK, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- Norm MacDonald took to Twitter to explain why his fellow Saturday Night Live alum Eddie Murphy only gave a short speech on the show's 40th anniversary special instead of performing in one of its sketches.

The appearance was touted as Murphy's eagerly awaited return after a 30-year absence to the New York studio where the show is taped, but some fans were disappointed when he didn't revive one of his classic characters or pop up in a sketch.

MacDonald revealed on Twitter Wednesday night that he and other cast members tried to persuade Murphy to do an impression of embattled comedian Bill Cosby as part of the show's long-running Celebrity Jeopardy skit. However, Murphy didn't want to take a shot at the older comedy icon, who has been plagued by allegations he drugged and sexually assaulted about two dozen women over a period of decades. Cosby has never been charged with any crime in connection with the alleged incidents and has denied any wrongdoing.

"Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs," MacDonald tweeted. "Eddie Murphy is the coolest, a rockstar even in a room with actual rockstars."

It's my job to talk him in to doing Jeopardy.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

We talk in his dressing room a good hour. When it's over, I'm convinced he'll do it.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

He knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015

Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down.

— Norm Macdonald (@normmacdonald) February 19, 2015