Garrett Morris is an American actor and comedian whose career has spanned over five decades. Best known as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live (SNL), Morris has left an indelible mark on both comedy and television. His sharp wit, impeccable timing, and ability to portray a wide range of characters have made him a beloved figure in the entertainment industry. Beyond his iconic work on SNL, Morris has showcased his talents in film, television, and theater, making him one of the most versatile and enduring performers in Hollywood.
Born on February 1, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana, Morris’s rise to fame was anything but conventional. His journey from a musically inclined young man in the Deep South to a groundbreaking figure in comedy and acting is a testament to his perseverance, talent, and the ability to adapt to the ever-changing landscape of entertainment.
Early Life and Musical Beginnings
Garrett Morris grew up in a musically rich environment in New Orleans, where gospel and jazz permeated the culture. He was raised by his grandfather, a Southern Baptist minister, and from a young age, Morris was drawn to music. He trained as a singer, and his early ambition was to pursue a career in music. His natural musical talent was evident, and after graduating from high school, he attended Dillard University in New Orleans, where he studied classical music and voice.
Morris’s passion for music eventually led him to New York City, where he further honed his craft by studying at the Juilliard School of Music, one of the most prestigious performing arts schools in the world. During his time at Juilliard, Morris continued to expand his range as a performer, delving into various musical genres, including jazz, opera, and gospel.
Although music was his first love, Morris soon discovered that his talent for entertaining extended beyond singing. His comedic instincts began to emerge during this period, and it wasn’t long before he started exploring acting and comedy as potential career paths.
Transition to Acting and Comedy
After completing his studies, Garrett Morris began performing in off-Broadway theater productions and musicals. His early stage work included appearances in the musical Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death, written by Melvin Van Peebles. This critically acclaimed show was a bold, politically charged piece that explored the African American experience in America, and Morris’s involvement with such a groundbreaking production showcased his ability to handle serious and socially relevant material.
Morris’s acting career gained momentum as he continued to work in theater, but it was his foray into comedy that would propel him to national fame. His comedic timing, observational humor, and ability to bring characters to life caught the attention of television producers, and in 1975, Morris was cast as one of the original “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” on Saturday Night Live.
Saturday Night Live: Making History
In 1975, Garrett Morris became one of the seven original cast members of Saturday Night Live, a revolutionary sketch comedy show created by Lorne Michaels. Morris was the only Black cast member at the time, and his presence on the show marked a significant moment in television history. His inclusion in the original SNL cast was groundbreaking, as it came during a time when representation for Black performers in comedy was limited.
During his five seasons on Saturday Night Live (1975–1980), Morris became known for his ability to play a wide range of characters, often delivering biting social commentary with humor and grace. One of his most famous recurring roles was that of the “Weekend Update” translator for “News for the Hard of Hearing,” where he humorously shouted the news in a loud, exaggerated manner after it was delivered in a normal tone by the anchor. This bit became a fan favorite and showcased Morris’s ability to take a simple concept and turn it into a comedic gem.
Another standout character was Chico Escuela, a former Dominican baseball player with the catchphrase “Baseball been berry, berry good to me.” Morris’s portrayal of Chico was a clever commentary on the rise of Latin American baseball players in Major League Baseball, and the character became one of SNL’s most iconic creations of the era.
Despite the success of his characters, Morris faced challenges during his time on Saturday Night Live. As the only Black cast member, he often felt typecast in certain roles and struggled to break free from the stereotypical characters he was asked to play. Nonetheless, his talent and perseverance allowed him to stand out, and he left an indelible mark on the show’s legacy.
Post-SNL Career: Television and Film Success
After leaving Saturday Night Live in 1980, Garrett Morris continued to build his career in television and film. He appeared in a wide range of TV shows, movies, and stage productions, demonstrating his versatility as both a comedian and a dramatic actor.
One of his most notable roles post-SNL was as Stan Winters, the owner of the taxi company in the long-running sitcom Martin (1992–1995), starring Martin Lawrence. Morris’s character was a grumpy yet lovable presence on the show, and his performance endeared him to a new generation of television viewers.
In addition to Martin, Morris had memorable guest appearances on shows like The Jeffersons, The Love Boat, and Diff’rent Strokes. His ability to seamlessly transition between comedic and serious roles helped him maintain a steady presence in Hollywood throughout the 1980s and 1990s.
In the film world, Morris made appearances in several notable comedies, including Car Wash (1976) and The Stuff (1985). His role in The Stuff as a factory worker caught up in a conspiracy about a mind-controlling substance showcased his ability to bring humor to even the most bizarre and outlandish scenarios.
In addition to his illustrious career in comedy, Garrett Morris also made a memorable appearance on the popular crime drama Hunter. Starring Fred Dryer as Detective Rick Hunter, the show ran from 1984 to 1991 and followed the gritty adventures of a tough LAPD homicide detective and his partner Dee Dee McCall, played by Stepfanie Kramer. Morris guest-starred in a notable episode of the series, showcasing his dramatic acting skills in a role that was markedly different from his comedic work. His appearance on Hunter demonstrated his versatility as an actor, proving that he could excel in both action-packed drama and lighthearted comedy, further solidifying his reputation as a multifaceted performer.
Resurgence: 2 Broke Girls and New Audiences
In 2011, Garrett Morris experienced a resurgence in his television career when he was cast in the hit CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls. Morris played Earl, the sarcastic and wisecracking cashier at the Williamsburg Diner, where the two main characters, Max and Caroline, work. Earl quickly became a fan favorite, thanks to Morris’s deadpan delivery and impeccable comedic timing.
2 Broke Girls ran for six seasons, from 2011 to 2017, and Morris’s portrayal of Earl introduced him to a new generation of television viewers. His role on the show allowed him to continue showcasing his comedic talents, and it reaffirmed his status as a beloved figure in the world of sitcoms.
Personal Life and Legacy
Throughout his career, Garrett Morris has remained a pioneer for Black comedians and actors in Hollywood. His success on Saturday Night Live paved the way for future generations of Black performers on the show, including Eddie Murphy, Chris Rock, and Kenan Thompson. Morris’s contributions to comedy are not only measured by the laughter he generated but also by the barriers he helped break down in an industry that has historically been slow to embrace diversity.
In addition to his work on screen, Morris has continued to perform stand-up comedy and engage with audiences through live performances. His passion for music, which began in his youth, has also remained a central part of his life. Morris is a jazz vocalist, and he has performed with various jazz bands over the years, blending his love for music with his comedic talents.
Garrett Morris’s journey from a musically gifted young man in New Orleans to a television icon is a testament to his resilience, talent, and adaptability. Whether making audiences laugh on Saturday Night Live, delivering punchlines on 2 Broke Girls, or belting out jazz tunes in a club, Morris has proven time and again that he is a multifaceted performer whose impact on the entertainment industry is undeniable.