( CNN ) Remember that awkward Eddie Murphy moment during the `` Saturday Night Live '' 40th anniversary special on Sunday ? According to Norm Macdonald , Murphy 's return after 30 years to the show that made him famous was supposed to be so much more . In a series of tweets Wednesday , Macdonald explained that he attempted to talk Murphy into portraying Bill Cosby during the `` Celebrity Jeopardy '' sketch . Macdonald set the scene with the many superstars involved in the special , which included former cast members and some of the show 's most popular ( and infamous ) hosts and musical guests . 'SNL ' 40th anniversary special : Moments you may have missed . But according to Macdonald , Murphy was one of the biggest stars in a room filled with celebs . Macdonald said he thought he had Murphy on board to do one of his most famous impressions , but alas , it was a no-go . Instead , Murphy was introduced by Chris Rock and offered a few words about his time on the show . It clocked in at just over a moment and struck some viewers as odd and awkward , as there had been so much buildup to the return . The `` Celebrity Jeopardy '' sketch , led by Will Ferrell as Alex Trebek , was still one of the special 's most memorable .
Murphy appeared on the `` SNL '' Sunday 40th anniversary show . Cosby said he tried to convince Norm Macdonald to play Murphy . He said Murphy refuses `` to kick a man when he 's down ''