Veteran Actor Garrett Morris Responds to Viral Image
Original Saturday Night Live cast member Garrett Morris, 89, has become the subject of widespread online attention following a photograph that went viral, prompting a humorous response from the veteran actor. The image, initially shared on Instagram by actress Taraji P. Henson, captured a moment during the celebration of her Broadway debut in Joe Turner’s Come And Gone.
Social Media Buzz Over Candid Photo
The photograph, which featured Morris and Henson posing together, quickly drew significant commentary in the social media sphere. Users focused on a particular aspect of Morris’s attire, leading to a flurry of remarks in the comments section. While the specific image has since been removed from Henson’s Instagram post, the discussion surrounding it continued across various platforms.
Comments ranged from lighthearted observations about his pants to more direct expressions of surprise, with many users sharing their inability to “unsee” the perceived detail. Discussions also extended to platforms like X, where users debated their observations and shared humorous takes on the situation.
Morris Addresses the Stir with a Comedic Clip
In a video shared on his own Instagram page, Morris directly addressed the viral photo and the ensuing online conversation. He began by humorously describing the situation, stating, “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 added, “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?”
The comedian linked the unexpected attention to his upcoming memoir, Ain’t That A B****, which is slated for release next year. He quipped, “Which is what I thought when I saw that picture of me and Taraji Henson. I said, ‘Ain’t that a b****!'” Morris reflected on his career, noting his appearances alongside Emmy, Oscar, and Tony winners, and joked, “And never did I think that I would be upstaged by my p***s.”
His memoir, co-written with television writer and producer Chloe Hilliard, is scheduled to be released in 2027. In his video caption, Morris acknowledged the online activity, stating, “I see the internet has been busy. With everybody talking, I figured I’d give you something new to talk about…”
A Look Back at Morris’s Illustrious Career
Garrett Morris is recognized as a founding cast member of Saturday Night Live and was the first Black cast member on the iconic sketch comedy show. He was a regular on SNL from its inception in 1975 until 1980.
Reflecting on SNL’s impact in an essay for Time last year, Morris noted, “Whether you were a Democrat or a Republican, you got hit by the comedy of SNL.” He added, “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.”
Morris fondly recalled the early days of the show, describing “a lot of energy, and a lot of beautiful people.” He expressed his admiration for the improvisational talents of his castmates, including Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase, stating, “They were all just such talented people, and I was really honored to be a part of that group.”
Following his tenure on SNL, Morris has had a prolific career in television, appearing in shows such as The Jeffersons, The Love Boat, Married… With Children, and ER. He is also well-known for his role as Uncle Junior on The Jamie Foxx Show from 1996 to 2001, and as Earl in the CBS series 2 Broke Girls from 2011 to 2017. Morris’s upcoming projects include the comedy film Freaky Deaky.
Reflections on Aging and Career
Shortly before his 89th birthday in February, Morris shared reflections on aging and his career. He told People, “Ask me what I’ll be doing on my birthday. Regretting the passage of time.” He continued, “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.”
