Lamorne Morris took on the role of Garrett Morris in the film “Saturday Night,” a movie depicting the events leading up to the first broadcast of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. Despite director Jason Reitman’s instructions not to reach out to the real Garrett Morris, Lamorne felt compelled to connect with the man he was portraying.
Garrett Morris holds a significant place in the history of “SNL” as the show’s first Black cast member. Originally hired as a writer, he was later asked to audition as a performer after Lorne Michaels recognized his talent in the 1975 comedy “Cooley High.” In the film, Morris struggles to find his footing among seasoned improvisers like John Belushi and Gilda Radner.
Lamorne Morris defied Reitman’s directive and spoke with Garrett Morris before filming began. The two spent an hour discussing Garrett’s experiences during the show’s early years. Garrett reflected on the pressure of being the only Black member of the creative team and the responsibility he felt to represent Black comedy.
During a Zoom conversation, Lamorne surprised Garrett by bringing his mother, Gwennett Morris, onto the call. The lighthearted moment showcased the bond between the two actors, with Garrett offering words of advice and encouragement to his younger counterpart.
Lamorne recently won an Emmy Award for his work on “Fargo,” marking a high point in his career. Garrett expressed pride in Lamorne’s accomplishments and praised his performance in “Saturday Night,” particularly highlighting a homage to Garrett’s iconic “Death Row Follies” sketch.
Looking ahead, Lamorne expressed his desire to host “Saturday Night Live” during its 50th anniversary season and urged Garrett to reach out to Lorne Michaels on his behalf. The elder Morris graciously agreed but emphasized his wish not to overshadow Lamorne’s success.
As the two actors continue to bond over their shared experience, the possibility of Lamorne hosting “SNL” and Garrett making a guest appearance remains a hopeful prospect for the future. Their connection serves as a testament to the enduring legacy of “Saturday Night Live” and the impact of representation in comedy.
