Chicago-born actor Lamorne Morris, long known for his comedic roles on New Girl and Fargo, has taken on a deeply personal and historic role: portraying Garrett Morris, the first Black cast member on Saturday Night Live, in Jason Reitman’s new film Saturday Night.
From Childhood Idol to On-Screen Inspiration
Growing up in Glen Ellyn, Illinois, Morris was an ardent fan of Garrett Morris, so much so that he’d joke with friends, “I used to tell people he was my dad”. His admiration for the trailblazing comedian, who broke barriers on SNL in its inaugural 1975 season, eventually led him to this pivotal role.
At Second City, where Morris honed his comedic craft, he discovered Garrett’s connection to SNL and pursued an audition, though not for the show itself, but now to embody the man he once looked up to.
Tackling the Role and the Weight of Representation
Stepping into Garrett Morris’s shoes was no small task. Lamorne admits he initially felt uneasy portraying someone still alive and watching, yet he embraced the challenge, especially after Garrett reminded him: “All I care about is you showing the audience I didn’t give up, that I worked my butt off, and I tried.”
To authentically capture Garrett’s experience, often feeling isolated as the lone Black man on a predominantly white cast, Morris drew from his own career journey, including parallels from his time on New Girl. He described moments on set where scenes deliberately spotlighted Garrett’s separation, mirroring real-life feelings of exclusion .
Finding True Chemistry with the Real Garrett
Working closely with older Garrett, Morris sought insight into his presence and mannerisms, right down to cigarettes in hand. Reitman’s direction, featuring long “oner” takes, meant Morris had to maintain a sustained performance energy, fully embodying the man even off-camera.
Garrett’s endorsement of Morris’s portrayal, calling it “very cathartic”, speaks to the deep respect and accuracy Morris brought to the role.
A Standout Performance
Critics have singled out Morris’s portrayal as one of the film’s most compelling arcs. Collider noted he “steals scenes, bringing genuine emotion, self‑doubt, and inner workings” beyond mere mimicry. One climactic improvised musical number, Garrett’s bold “Kill All the Whities” sketch, emerged organically on set and became a pivotal moment, showcasing Morris’s instinctive timing and courage.
A Legacy Reimagined
Portraying Garrett Morris marks both a professional triumph and deeply emotional milestone for Lamorne. It channels his admiration and pays tribute to a man whose trailblazing presence opened doors for Black comedians in the 1970s and beyond.
In stepping into Garrett’s shoes, Morris doesn’t just act, he carries forward a legacy of resilience, creativity, and representation.
