Veteran Actor Garrett Morris Addresses Viral Photo with Signature Wit
Garrett Morris, an original cast member of the iconic sketch comedy show Saturday Night Live, has become the subject of widespread online discussion following a recent photograph. The 89-year-old actor has now responded to the stir with his characteristic humor.
The Photo and Online Reaction
The photograph in question was initially shared on Instagram by actress Taraji P. Henson, celebrating her Broadway debut in Joe Turner’s Come And Gone. The image featured Morris alongside Henson, with several other stars in attendance to support her milestone. However, social media users quickly focused on a specific detail within the snap, leading to a flurry of comments.
Many observers noted an unintended emphasis in Morris’s trousers, prompting a range of reactions. Comments on the post ranged from playful inquiries about the positioning of his clothing to expressions of surprise. While the specific slide containing the photo was later removed from Henson’s Instagram carousel, the image had already circulated widely, sparking further conversation across social media platforms.
Morris’s Humorous Response
Addressing the viral image directly, Morris posted a video on his Instagram page. With a wry smile, he began, “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 humorously 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 veteran comedian further quipped, “Which is what I thought when I saw that picture of me and Taraji Henson. I said, ‘Ain’t that a b****!'” He reflected on his career, noting, “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.”
Morris also used the opportunity to announce his upcoming memoir, Ain’t That A B****, which is slated for release next year. He shared in the caption of his response video, “I see the internet has been busy. With everybody talking, I figured I’d give you something new to talk about…”
A Legendary Career
Garrett Morris is celebrated as a founding cast member of Saturday Night Live and was the show’s first Black cast member. He was a prominent figure on the program from 1975 to 1980. Reflecting on the show’s impact, Morris stated in a previous essay that “Whether you were a Democrat or a Republican, you got hit by the comedy of SNL.” He described the era as a time of “a lot of energy, and a lot of beautiful people,” marveling at the improvisational brilliance of his castmates like Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase.
Following his tenure on SNL, Morris enjoyed a prolific career in television, appearing in shows such as The Jeffersons, The Love Boat, Married… With Children, and ER. He is also well-remembered 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. His 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 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.”
His memoir, co-written with television writer and producer Chloe Hilliard, is scheduled to be released in 2027, with a specific date yet to be announced.
