Eddie Murphy returning to "Saturday Night Live" after 30 years

It's been more than 30 years since Eddie Murphy was last on "Saturday Night Live," but the comedian is making a return next month to mark the show's 40th anniversary.

Murphy shared the news in a phone interview with News One Now, saying he'll be part of a TV special celebrating the sketch comedy show airing Feb. 15.

Murphy joined the cast of "SNL" in 1981, when he was just 19 years old. His last appearance on the show was as host in 1984.

"It just never worked out where the timing was right for me to do it," he said of returning. "They're having a 40th anniversary. I'm going to that. And that will be the first time I've been back since I left."

Murphy also talked about his new single, "Oh Jah Jah," which came out Tuesday.

The "Saturday Night Live" 40th anniversary special will air live on Sunday, Feb. 15, at 8 p.m. ET.