SNL legend Garrett Morris opens up about racism behind the scenes

Saturday Night LiveFirst black cast member Garrett Morris shared his thoughts on the racial dynamics in the show’s early years. Now 87, Morris spoke about his experiences taking part in the iconic comedy series. Debut season 1975 in a recent interview, addressing both institutional support and creative barriers in a recent interview with Guardian.

Morris, who first joined as a writer and later became a performer, was harsh in his assessment of the show’s racial atmosphere. “I will say this to the end of my life: the writers of Lorne had a lot of racism,” Morris said. However, he distinguished the attitude of the writing staff from the attitude SNL creator Lorne Michaelsadding: “Lorne himself? Zero racism. Because remember, when I was hired, I was the only black writer. Lorne wanted someone Black on TV at night. People didn’t want this. They demanded that it all be made white. He didn’t.

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His transition from writer to performer came after an unexpected meeting in the green room of Studio 8H. Morris originally envisioned his days SNL were numbered when Michaels called him for a one-on-one meeting. Instead, he found Michaels watching Cooley Higha classic of black cinema in which Morris plays a history teacher. The film was recommended by actors Gilda Radner, Laraine Newman and Jane Curtin. “Because of this, I was invited to audition for Not Ready for Primetime Players (the working title of SNL),” Morris explained, “and I went from writer to member of the group.”

Despite this breakthrough, Morris encountered resistance in seeking diverse roles. He recalls a key interaction during the show’s first season: “It really hit me when we were doing the first show. I didn’t have a parody, but I watched another one. I said to Lorne, “There’s a doctor in this skit. Why don’t I play a doctor? And he says, “Garrett, people can be abandoned by a black doctor.” Morris noted the irony of this response, adding, “Keep in mind, I come from New Orleans, where you’re surrounded by black doctors and black doctors. Ph.D. For that matter, in all the big cities in the south.

Among Morris’s most famous characters were Chico Escuela, a Dominican baseball player known for his catchphrase, “Base-and-ball has been very good to me,” and a deaf interpreter who simply repeated Chevy Chase’s news clips louder instead of signing them. Throughout his tenure, Morris was an accomplished playwright before joining him. SNLtried to give depth to potentially stereotypical roles.

However, his five-year stint at SNL was complicated by personal difficulties. “I made a lot of bad decisions,” he admitted. “I was a cocaine addict.” However, Morris starred in 99 episodes before moving on to other television opportunities, including roles in the series. Martin And Jamie Foxx Show.

Morris’s influence continues to resonate with contemporary performers. Actor Lamorne Morris (no relation), who will play him in the upcoming film Saturday Night, spoke about The Kelly Clarkson Show about their shared experiences as the lone black actor on a TV show. “If you walk into a room with Garrett, he is the most talented person there. He did everything. This man helped desegregate labor unions. He protested during the Civil Rights Movement. Then he’s on SNL. I mean, you know, you name it,” Lamorne Morris said.

Reflecting on your legacy and current state SNLMorris expressed both pride and concern: “I’m proud that I was a small part of the beginning of SNL and that I created a chair for a non-white performer.” However, he noted that today’s show seems to lack the “boldness and experimental impulses” that defined its first decade, adding: “I continue to expect it to attack in a funny way and expose the weaknesses of not only individuals but and governments.” and all that. And nowadays, although people still watch it, I think they spend too much time pleasing too many people.”