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Norm MacDonald reveals Eddie Murphy refused to play Bill Cosby in epic behind-the-scenes story of 'SNL40'

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Norm MacDonald

"Saturday Night Live" alum Norm MacDonald returned to his roots on Sunday to be part of the show's 40th-anniversary special.

In one of the most memorable sketches, MacDonald resumed his role as Burt Reynolds, aka "Turd Ferguson," during a "Jeopardy" bit filled with SNL cast members who were impersonating celebrities.

Norm MacDonald Burt Reynolds SNL jeopardy

Later in the sketch, current cast member Kenan Thompson played Bill Cosby, mixing a drink in a video daily double that was "taped" six months before the actor was plagued by allegations of rape and sexual assault.

Kenam Thompson Bill Cosby SNLAlex Trebek, played expertly by Will Ferrell, quickly stops the video and apologizes for the previously taped segment.

Alex Trebek will ferrell SNLThe Cosby moment in the Jeopardy sketch would have been perfect for Eddie Murphy to play the embattled comedian.

Eddie Murphy SNLMacDonald explained the setup to his 518,000 Twitter followers in a detailed play-by-play of how "SNL 40" came together:

The iconic doors would open and on to home base would step Eddie Murphy. The audience would know what to do. Why is Eddie wearing a multi-colored sweater? He steps behind the bar, begins mixing a drink. The audience covers the fact he has not spoken. When he speaks, he is Cosby. Eddie Murphy doing a perfect Cosby impression. The audience does not let him finish. The sketch ends. The show, for all intents, ends.

It's my job to talk him in to doing Jeopardy. We talk in his dressing room a good hour. When it's over, I'm convinced he'll do it. He doesn't. He knew the laughs would bring the house down. Eddie Murphy knows what will work on SNL better than any one. Eddie decides the laughs are not worth it. He will not kick a man when he is down. Eddie Murphy, I realize, is not like the rest of us. Eddie does not need the laughs. Eddie Murphy is the coolest, a rockstar even in a room with actual rockstars.

Bill Cosby responded on Thursday, telling NBC News: "I am very appreciative of Eddie and I applaud his actions."

Read the rest of MacDonald's insightful tweets on SNL's 40th anniversary special below:

Norm MacDonald tweets 1Norm macDonald Tweets 2Norm MacDonald tweets 3norm macdoanld tweets 4

Norm Macdonald tweets 5norm macdonald tweets 5norm macdonald tweets 6norm macdonald tweets 7Norm Macondald tweets 8norm macdonald tweets 9norm macdonald tweets 10norm macdonald tweets 11Norm MacDonald tweets 12norm macdonald tweets 13Watch the Jeopardy sketch below:

SEE ALSO: Jerry Seinfeld and Larry David stole the show on SNL's 40th-anniversary special

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