Veteran Actor Garrett Morris Addresses Viral Image with Humor
Veteran actor Garrett Morris, an original cast member of Saturday Night Live, has become the subject of widespread online discussion following a recent photograph. The 89-year-old comedian addressed the viral image with a characteristic sense of humor in a video posted to his Instagram page.
The photograph, initially shared by actress Taraji P. Henson on Instagram, captured Morris alongside Henson as she celebrated her Broadway debut in “Joe Turner’s Come And Gone.” While the image showcased stars supporting Henson’s milestone, social media users quickly focused on a particular detail in Morris’s attire, leading to a flurry of comments and speculation.
Online Frenzy and Swift Reaction
The image, which has since been removed from Henson’s Instagram post, sparked numerous reactions online. Commenters humorously referenced Morris’s character, Uncle Junior, from “The Jamie Foxx Show,” with some suggesting his “pants” needed adjusting. The widespread attention prompted a swift and witty response from Morris himself.
In his Instagram video, Morris directly addressed the online buzz. “Well, hello there. I’m Garrett Morris and it seems I’ve caused quite a stir because of a recent photo where it looks like I have a baby boa constrictor between my legs,” he stated, pointing to his head. “Now, I don’t mind holding up these stereotypes usually given to Black men but ladies and gentleman, I’m more than a body. I’m a brain too, okay?”
A Nod to a Memoir and a Legendary Career
Morris further connected the viral moment to his upcoming memoir, titled “Ain’t That A B****,” scheduled for release next year. “Which is what I thought when I saw that picture of me and Taraji Henson. I said, ‘Ain’t that a b****!'” the comedian joked, referencing the memoir’s title.
He reflected on his career, noting his appearances with numerous award winners. “I have been photographed with Emmy winners, I have been with Oscar winners, I’ve been with Tony winners. And never did I think that I would be upstaged by my p***s,” he added with a laugh. The memoir, co-written with television writer and producer Chloe Hilliard, is slated for publication in 2027.
Reflections on SNL and a Lasting Legacy
Morris, the first Black cast member of Saturday Night Live, was part of the show’s founding cast from 1975 to 1980. He recently reflected on the show’s impact in an essay for Time, stating, “Whether you were a Democrat or a Republican, you got hit by the comedy of SNL.” He also commented on the changing landscape of comedy, noting, “Now, the whole country is sort of sideways, so you have to be very brave to make fun of a lot of what should be made fun of. It doesn’t seem quite as courageous as it was then.”
Looking back on his time at SNL, Morris recalled the “energy” and “brilliance of improvisation” from castmates like Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase, expressing his honor at being part of that group.
Following his tenure on SNL, Morris built an extensive career in television, with roles in “The Jeffersons,” “The Love Boat,” “Married… With Children,” and “ER.” He is also known for his roles as Uncle Junior on “The Jamie Foxx Show” and Earl on “2 Broke Girls.” He continues to be active in the entertainment industry, with upcoming projects including the comedy film “Freaky Deaky.”
Earlier this year, as he approached his 89th birthday, Morris shared reflections on aging and his career, telling People, “Regretting the passage of time.” He added, “I just felt if you enjoy your work, why not do it to the best you can in whatever way you are asked to do it until you transform. I mean, let’s be realistic, there are less roles for an 80-year-old who’s got arthritis – but there are roles out there.”
