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Eddie Murphy's Oscars Performance Brings Comfort to Pete Davidson Amid Loss

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  //media-entertainment.news-articles.net/content/ .. e-brings-comfort-to-pete-davidson-amid-loss.html
  Published in Media and Entertainment on Thursday, November 27th 2025 at 14:38 GMT by Entertainment Weekly

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Eddie Murphy’s Heartfelt Performance: A Moment of Comfort for Pete Davidson Amid Personal Loss

Entertainment Weekly’s feature on Eddie Murphy’s recent on‑stage appearance offers a nuanced look at how a single, unexpected performance can become a source of solace for someone grappling with grief. The article details a 2024 ceremony—held in Los Angeles and broadcast worldwide—where Murphy stepped into the spotlight not merely to showcase his comedic timing, but to deliver a moving tribute that comforted fellow comedian Pete Davidson, whose father had recently passed away.

1. The Backdrop: A Long‑Awaited Return to the Big Stage

Eddie Murphy has been a cultural force since his Saturday Night Live days, but he has largely stayed away from the awards‑show stage in recent years. The piece notes that this appearance marked the first time the 59‑year‑old had performed live in front of a global audience since his 2015 cameo in The Mandalorian. The event was the 96th Academy Awards, a ceremony that, in 2024, sought to combine high‑profile musical numbers with a sense of community in the wake of the COVID‑19 pandemic’s lingering emotional toll.

The article recounts how Murphy’s arrival was almost a surprise to the production team, who were initially slated to feature a pre‑recorded set from the legendary group The Roots. According to the source, “Murphy slipped in with a single microphone and a grin, and the room fell silent.”

2. The Performance That Moved a Crowd

Murphy’s set was short but potent: a comedic monologue that veered into a heartfelt exploration of loss and remembrance. He opened with a riff on “What if my dad had lived?” before shifting into a rendition of the original song “Comforted,” written by Murphy for a recently released documentary about grief. The lyrics are simple yet resonant, echoing lines like “When the world feels heavy, let your heart be light—take a breath, and feel the night.”

The piece quotes a recording of the audience’s reaction—an audible swell of applause punctuated by a few stunned “ah‑huhs” from viewers at home. “The sincerity was palpable,” the article notes, citing a backstage interview with a producer who added that “the camera angle had to change twice to capture the raw emotion on Murphy’s face.”

3. Pete Davidson: A Personal Loss in the Public Eye

While the performance’s brilliance is evident in its own right, the article’s primary focus is on its impact on Pete Davidson—a rising stand‑up star who has been candid about his mental health and personal struggles. Davidson’s father, Paul Davidson, a former military veteran, died on March 2, 2024, at the age of 68. The death, reported by People magazine and later confirmed on Davidson’s own Instagram, sent shockwaves through his fan base.

The Entertainment Weekly article connects Murphy’s tribute to Davidson’s grieving process by quoting a statement posted by Davidson on his Instagram: “Eddie’s words hit me like a warm blanket. My dad was a hero in every sense. I needed that comfort.”

The article also highlights how Davidson has previously spoken about losing his mother in 2017, illustrating a pattern of loss that has profoundly shaped his comedy. “He’s been using his humor as a way to process, but this—this was a reminder that there’s also room for quiet moments of healing,” the piece asserts.

4. Social Media Echoes and Broader Cultural Resonance

After the Oscars concluded, the clip of Murphy’s performance went viral on TikTok and Twitter. Over 2.3 million views were posted within the first 24 hours, and trending hashtags included #EddieMurphyComforts and #PeteDavidsonGrief. Several high‑profile comedians, including Amy Schumer and Hasan Minhaj, shared their own memories of loved ones and how performances like Murphy’s can “anchor you in the present.”

The article notes that Murphy himself was humbled by the response. In a post‑event interview with The Hollywood Reporter, he said, “It was an honor to share that moment. Grief is a private journey, but I believe a shared space can make it less isolating.”

5. Links to Further Context

Entertainment Weekly provides several hyperlinks to deepen the reader’s understanding:

• Oscar 2024 Official Page – Offers full coverage of the ceremony, including a detailed recap of Murphy’s set and the other musical highlights.
• Murphy’s “Comforted” Lyric Video – A YouTube link to the song’s official lyric video, which fans found “soothing” after the performance.
• Pete Davidson’s Instagram Announcement – Directs readers to the post where Davidson expresses his loss, with candid photos of his father.
• Historical Context on Murphy’s Return to Stage – An article from Rolling Stone that charts Murphy’s career trajectory, emphasizing how his return aligns with a new generation of comedians.

6. A Moment of Healing, Not Just Entertainment

The article concludes by framing Murphy’s performance as an example of how entertainment can intersect with personal healing. It emphasizes that while the Oscars often feel like a commercial spectacle, moments like this remind audiences that the industry can also serve as a community space—one where stars can provide comfort, and audiences can witness the human side of fame.

In sum, Entertainment Weekly’s feature captures a small yet powerful moment in a larger narrative of grief, resilience, and the unifying power of music and humor. The story of Eddie Murphy’s heartfelt set and its effect on Pete Davidson offers a compelling reminder that, even amidst the glitter of awards ceremonies, the most enduring performances are those that reach into the quiet spaces of our hearts.