LOS ANGELES: Hollywood icon Eddie Murphy recently discussed the difference between genuine laughter and fake laughter in comedy, sharing a humorous behind-the-scenes moment during an appearance on The Jennifer Hudson Show.
Murphy recalled bursting into laughter after witnessing Will Ferrell’s unexpected trouser-less appearance during Saturday Night Live’s 50th anniversary celebration in February.
“I started laughing there,” he said, amused even in retelling the story. He explained that moments like these make comedy so enjoyable for both performers and audiences.
The legendary comedian admitted that he often breaks into spontaneous laughter while filming. “I start laughing all the time, you know, in the middle of stuff, and then we just go back and fix it,” he shared. “I love that when something makes you, you know, you can’t hold it in.”
Murphy also pointed out that audiences appreciate those moments because they feel real. However, he didn’t stop criticizing fake laughter, often used by performers to cover up awkward moments. “Sometimes people do it, and they ain’t laughing,” he said. “And the audience is like, ‘He ain’t laughing.’”
His comments offered fans a lighthearted yet honest look at how authenticity plays a crucial role in comedy—and why real laughter still resonates the most.
