Garrett Morris, American actor and comedian
Garrett Morris: A Trailblazing Performer in American Entertainment
Garrett Isaac Morris, born on February 1, 1937, is an iconic American actor, comedian, and singer whose extensive career has spanned several decades and diverse entertainment mediums. Renowned for his versatility and distinctive comedic timing, Morris has left an indelible mark on television, film, and live performance, becoming a familiar and beloved face to generations of audiences.
Pioneering Sketch Comedy: Saturday Night Live
Morris is widely celebrated as a pivotal member of the original "Not Ready for Prime-Time Players," the inaugural cast of the groundbreaking NBC sketch comedy program, Saturday Night Live (SNL). From its premiere in 1975 until 1980, Morris was one of the first African American cast members, breaking barriers and contributing significantly to the show's early, experimental success. His tenure on SNL featured memorable characters such as the elderly, hard-of-hearing "News for the Hard of Hearing" correspondent and the spirited baseball player Chico Escuela, famous for his catchphrase, "Baseball been bery, bery good to me." Morris's operatic training also frequently found its way into sketches, showcasing his unique blend of comedic and musical talent.
Enduring Legacy in Television Sitcoms
Beyond his foundational work on SNL, Garrett Morris built an impressive resume in the realm of television sitcoms, consistently delivering memorable performances across various beloved series.
- On the acclaimed CBS sitcom The Jeffersons, Morris appeared as Jimmy from 1983 to 1984, contributing to the humor of one of television's longest-running and most successful African American-led shows.
- From 1992 to 1995, he became a familiar face to fans of the popular Fox sitcom Martin, portraying the character Stan Winters, often providing comedic relief and a foil for the lead.
- Morris further cemented his sitcom presence with a role as Junior "Uncle Junior" King on The WB's The Jamie Foxx Show, which aired from 1996 to 2001. His portrayal added depth and humor to the ensemble cast.
- Demonstrating his remarkable longevity and ability to adapt to new comedic styles, Morris held a starring role as Earl Washington, the wise and witty cashier at the diner, on the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls from 2011 to 2017. His character was a consistent source of humor and heart throughout the series' successful run.
Notable Film Appearances
Morris's career also includes significant roles in several films, showcasing his dramatic and comedic range on the big screen.
- He appeared in the seminal 1975 coming-of-age film Cooley High, a culturally significant movie often cited for its authentic portrayal of Black teenage life in 1960s Chicago.
- In the 1976 musical comedy Car Wash, Morris played the character Slide, contributing to the film's ensemble humor and its vibrant portrayal of a day in the life at a Los Angeles car wash.
- He also took on the role of Carl in The Census Taker (1984), further diversifying his filmography.
Frequently Asked Questions About Garrett Morris
- What roles is Garrett Morris most known for?
- Garrett Morris is widely recognized for being an original cast member of Saturday Night Live (1975-1980), playing Earl Washington on 2 Broke Girls (2011-2017), and his roles as Stan Winters on Martin (1992-1995) and Junior "Uncle Junior" King on The Jamie Foxx Show (1996-2001).
- Was Garrett Morris one of the first African American cast members on Saturday Night Live?
- Yes, Garrett Morris was indeed one of the pioneering African American performers to be part of the original ensemble cast of Saturday Night Live when it premiered in 1975, contributing significantly to its early success and diversity.
- What was Garrett Morris's character on 2 Broke Girls?
- On the CBS sitcom 2 Broke Girls, Garrett Morris played Earl Washington, the amiable and often humorous cashier at the Williamsburg Diner, who served as a mentor and friend to the show's main characters.
- Did Garrett Morris have a singing background?
- Yes, Garrett Morris is also a singer with a background in opera. He often showcased his vocal talents during his tenure on Saturday Night Live and in various other performances throughout his career.