Garrett Morris Reflects on His Groundbreaking Role as SNL's First Black Performer
Garrett Morris, the original cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL), recently reflected on his groundbreaking role as the show’s first Black performer during its 50th-anniversary celebration. At 88 years old, Morris appeared at the event to introduce a film showcasing the original cast, humorously remarking, “I had no idea y’all that I would be required to do so many reunion shows.”
Morris, a Juilliard-trained actor and playwright, joined SNL in 1975 after a diverse career in theater, music, and teaching. Despite his extensive background, he faced challenges as the sole Black cast member, often struggling to secure meaningful roles and writing opportunities. He recalled instances of racism among some writers, including one who dismissed the idea of a Black doctor in a sketch, claiming it would “throw people.” Morris pushed back, citing the prevalence of Black professionals in cities like New York.
Among his notable contributions were sketches like “News for the Hard of Hearing” and the character Chico Escuela, a retired baseball player. Morris also created the “White Guilt Relief Fund” sketch, a satirical take on racial dynamics in fundraising. He acknowledged the pressure to represent Black culture authentically, even receiving a letter from the NAACP urging him to “straighten up and fly right.”
Morris also opened up about his struggles with addiction during and after his time on SNL, crediting his recovery to years of sobriety. Despite the challenges, he expressed pride in his work and the camaraderie with fellow cast members like John Belushi and Gilda Radner. Reflecting on SNL’s legacy, Morris emphasized the show’s fearless approach to tackling political and social issues, a quality he believes remains vital today.
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