The Pitt star Noah Wyle claims a beloved comedy star gave him a tongue-lashing when he was just 9 years old.
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The 55-year-old recounted the story on Amy Poehler's Good Hang podcast earlier this week. It seems that, as a bright-eyed Saturday Night Live fan, young Wyle wanted an autograph from his comedy hero, Eddie Murphy.
"I asked him for his autograph, and I said, 'I really like you on 'SNL,'" Wyle recalled to Poehler, herself an SNL alum.
Of course, Murphy became an instant comedy superstar after debuting on SNL in 1980 before leaving to do huge films in 1984.
However, during the alleged exchange, which clearly scarred the ER alum for decades to come, Murphy questioned how the then 9-year-old Wyle was able to stay up late enough to watch SNL. Wyle claimed the Beverly Hills Cop legend then told kid-Noah to "f—k off" rather than give the future Donnie Darko actor his signature.
That said, Wyle learned a lesson from the exchange.
"So, I always sign an autograph," Wyle insisted. "Whenever a nine-year-old needs an autograph from me, I sign that so fast."
Noah Wyle's Daughter Mercilessly Teases Him After Hearing Story of Eddie Murphy Allegedly Cussing Him Out as a Kid
Apparently, the epic yarn has something of a legendary status in the Wyle household. One that his family is more than happy to exploit for yucks.
Even on the man's birthday.
"My 10-year-old daughter printed up a picture of Eddie Murphy and then wrote on it, 'Dear Noah, you're a great kid, Eddie Murphy,'" Wyle told Poehler through laughter.
However, the veteran actor takes the ribbing in stride.
"She spelled Eddie E-D-D-Y, and I have it framed in my office. It's the greatest gift," he added.
Wyle claims his daughter even set up the gag gift with an epic tall tale.
"She's like, 'Dad, you're never gonna believe who Mom and I saw yesterday: Eddie Murphy. And we got what you've always wanted: his autograph,'" the actor recounted. "Then they gave me the gifts."
Meanwhile, Wyle admitted he'd love to host SNL, somewhat bringing things full circle.
"I recently met [SNL creator and showrunner] Lorne [Michaels], and I kind of put the bee in his bonnet, as they say," Wyle teased.
Poehler had some advice should Wyle land the hosting gig.
"Don't overthink it. Don't live at the studio," the SNL vet told Wyle. "Just go home at night and enjoy. Take a load off. Don't work too hard."
It would be amazing if Murphy would cameo (and cuss Wyle out!) should he ever host the long-running sketch show...
