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Garrett Morris on SNL‘s First Season: ‘You Have to Be Very Brave to Make Fun of a Lot of What Should Be Made Fun of’

BBG News

Prior to the arrival of Saturday Night Live, I had spent approximately 17 years working in the entertainment industry. My career included acting on Broadway as well as Off-Broadway. I also wrote a couple of plays and participated in numerous musical productions. My first television role, which paid me more than any job before it, was with SNL, marking a significant milestone for me as it was the first time I could afford to pay my rent comfortably.

As an introvert, I typically prefer to perform my duties and then head back to my apartment. However, I realize now that it would have been wiser to mingle at the bar with the group, fostering relationships instead. Unfortunately, there were instances of drug use – specifically, I had a strong cocaine addiction, but I abstained from alcohol altogether.

In essence, during filming, as the only black actor surrounded by mostly white cast members, I was anxious about my role and had to work hard to be recognized. This wasn’t an uncommon situation. The challenge of being written for was a struggle. Lorne Michaels proposed a sketch concept called “Death Row Follies,” where convicts would perform. We were tasked with developing the content ourselves. I recalled a scene from Art Linkletter, a famous 1950s talk-show host, where a white woman sang about shooting all black people she saw. Replacing the racial slur with “whitey,” I found the ideal song for a black man on death row, which is how that sketch was created.

I too felt a sense of pride in having conceived the concept for the “White Guilt Relief Fund” satire on SNL. In the Black community, there’s an ongoing joke about organizations like the Black Panthers, SNCC, CORE, and the NAACP who were often out fundraising. Historically, all-Black groups received some funds, but those with a substantial number of white liberals received significantly more. The debate over reparations for slavery is still ongoing, and the “White Guilt Relief Fund” served as a humorous means to discuss a serious economic issue. Regardless of political affiliation, everyone was touched by SNL’s humor. At that time, it took courage to poke fun at sensitive subjects, but now, with the country more divided than ever, making light of such issues can be challenging.

The atmosphere was overflowing with vitality, and it was filled with stunning individuals. I couldn’t help but be astounded by the exceptional improvisation skills – Gilda Radner, John Belushi, Chevy Chase were simply extraordinary. They were all incredibly gifted performers, and I felt truly privileged to be part of that collective.—As shared with Olivia B. Waxman

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2025-02-12 16:09

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