Garrett Morris
RETURN TO INDEX
Born Name:
Garrett Gonzalez Morris
Born Date: February 1, 1937
Born Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian, singer
Brief Biography: Garrett Morris made history as the first Black cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he starred from 1975 to 1980. A classically trained performer, he is best known for his iconic characters on SNL, like Chico Escuela, and for his enduring roles across television, including Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, and 2 Broke Girls.
Early Life and Musical Roots:
He sang in his grandfather's church choir from a young age, went on to graduate from Dillard University in 1958, and trained at the Juilliard School of Music.
Early Career: Before his legendary comedy break, Morris was a singer and arranger with the Harry Belafonte Folk Singers. He also built a strong stage career, performing in several Broadway musicals, including Hallelujah, Baby! and Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death.
Making Television History:
Saturday Night Live: In 1975, Morris was hired as part of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" on SNL, marking a major cultural milestone as the show's first Black cast member. He was famous for his sharp musical parodies and his recurring "News for the Hard of Hearing" translator bits.
Sitcom Staple: After leaving SNL in 1980, Morris became a familiar and beloved face on classic sitcoms, playing Stan Winters on Martin and Uncle Junior King on The Jamie Foxx Show.
Recent Work: He charmed a new generation of viewers as the wise-cracking diner cashier Earl Washington on CBS's 2 Broke Girls (2011–2017).
Legacy and Honors:
Perseverance: In 1994, Morris survived a near-fatal shooting during a robbery attempt in Los Angeles. Despite the recovery, he showed immense resilience and returned to the screen stronger than ever.
Industry Accolades: In 2017, Morris was officially inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame alongside the rest of the original SNL cast. He further cemented his legacy by receiving his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his birthday in 2024.
Born Date: February 1, 1937
Born Place: New Orleans, Louisiana
Died Date:
Died Place:
Occupations: Actor, comedian, singer
Brief Biography: Garrett Morris made history as the first Black cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he starred from 1975 to 1980. A classically trained performer, he is best known for his iconic characters on SNL, like Chico Escuela, and for his enduring roles across television, including Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, and 2 Broke Girls.
Early Life and Musical Roots:
He sang in his grandfather's church choir from a young age, went on to graduate from Dillard University in 1958, and trained at the Juilliard School of Music.
Early Career: Before his legendary comedy break, Morris was a singer and arranger with the Harry Belafonte Folk Singers. He also built a strong stage career, performing in several Broadway musicals, including Hallelujah, Baby! and Ain't Supposed to Die a Natural Death.
Making Television History:
Saturday Night Live: In 1975, Morris was hired as part of the original "Not Ready for Prime Time Players" on SNL, marking a major cultural milestone as the show's first Black cast member. He was famous for his sharp musical parodies and his recurring "News for the Hard of Hearing" translator bits.
Sitcom Staple: After leaving SNL in 1980, Morris became a familiar and beloved face on classic sitcoms, playing Stan Winters on Martin and Uncle Junior King on The Jamie Foxx Show.
Recent Work: He charmed a new generation of viewers as the wise-cracking diner cashier Earl Washington on CBS's 2 Broke Girls (2011–2017).
Legacy and Honors:
Perseverance: In 1994, Morris survived a near-fatal shooting during a robbery attempt in Los Angeles. Despite the recovery, he showed immense resilience and returned to the screen stronger than ever.
Industry Accolades: In 2017, Morris was officially inducted into the Television Academy Hall of Fame alongside the rest of the original SNL cast. He further cemented his legacy by receiving his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his birthday in 2024.