Garrett Morris on SNL

Garrett Morris, the first Black performer on 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), reflected on his experiences during the show's inaugural season in 1975, revealing significant racism among the writers. While he noted that Lorne Michaels, the show's creator, exhibited 'zero racism' and aimed for inclusivity, Morris faced resistance from others who wanted to maintain an all-white cast. He recounted a specific instance where he was denied the role of a doctor because it was deemed that audiences might be uncomfortable with a Black actor in that position. Despite battling personal challenges, including drug addiction, Morris takes pride in paving the way for future Black comedians like Eddie Murphy and Kenan Thompson. His legacy and experiences are highlighted in Jason Reitman's upcoming film 'Saturday Night,' which dramatizes the behind-the-scenes moments of SNL's first broadcast. Morris's journey underscores the ongoing struggle for diversity in entertainment.