Legendary Comedian Garrett Morris Addresses Viral Photo with Wit
Original Saturday Night Live cast member Garrett Morris has become the subject of widespread online discussion following a photograph that has gained significant traction. The 89-year-old actor responded with characteristic humor to the attention generated by the image, which was initially shared on Instagram.
A Moment Captured and Shared
The photo in question was posted by actress Taraji P. Henson earlier this week, celebrating her Broadway debut in the production of ‘Joe Turner’s Come And Gone.’ The image featured various stars who attended to support Henson during this significant career milestone. Among them was Morris, posing alongside Henson in what appeared to be a straightforward picture.
However, the comment sections of social media platforms quickly filled with observations about a specific detail in the photograph. While Henson has since removed the image from her Instagram carousel, the discussion surrounding it has persisted. Many users focused on Morris’s attire, with some humorously referencing his past role as Uncle Junior on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show,’ questioning why his pants appeared to be askew.
Online Reactions and Morris’s Reply
The online buzz extended to platforms like X, where users shared their reactions. Comments ranged from expressions of surprise to candid observations, with many admitting they couldn’t look away from a particular aspect of the photo. One user remarked, ‘Taraji looks amazing, Garrett is a legend, but can we all be honest for second? My eyes wandered somewhere else, and now I can’t unsee it. The longer you look, the more questions you start asking.’
Morris himself addressed the situation in a video posted to his Instagram account. He began with a lighthearted acknowledgment of the stir caused by the photo, humorously likening the perceived bulge to a ‘baby boa constrictor.’ He then playfully commented on stereotypes often associated with Black men, emphasizing his intellect and identity beyond his physical appearance.
‘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,’ Morris stated in the clip. He added, ‘Now, I don’t mind holding up these stereotypes usually given to these Black men but ladies and gentleman, I’m more than a body. I’m a brain too, okay?’
Upcoming Memoir and Career Reflections
Morris also used the opportunity to promote his forthcoming memoir, titled ‘Ain’t That A B****,’ which is scheduled for release next year. He made a comedic connection between the book’s title and his reaction to seeing the viral photograph, saying, ‘Which is what I thought when I saw that picture of me and Taraji Henson. I said, “Ain’t that a b****!”‘
Reflecting on his career, Morris noted his experiences with various award-winning colleagues, stating, ‘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,’ he quipped.
The memoir, co-written with television writer and producer Chloe Hilliard, is slated for publication in 2027. In the caption accompanying his video response, Morris invited further discussion, writing, ‘I see the internet has been busy. With everybody talking, I figured I’d give you something new to talk about…’
A Trailblazer on Saturday Night Live
Morris was a foundational member of the original Saturday Night Live cast, holding the distinction of being the first Black cast member. He was a regular on the sketch comedy show from 1975 to 1980. He previously reflected on SNL’s impact, stating in an essay for Time last year, ‘Whether you were a Democrat or a Republican, you got hit by the comedy of SNL.’
He recalled the show’s era as a time of significant energy and talent, highlighting the improvisational brilliance of his castmates like Gilda Radner, John Belushi, and Chevy Chase. Morris expressed his honor at being part of such a gifted ensemble.
A Lasting Career in Television
Following his tenure on SNL, Morris continued to build an extensive television career, appearing in shows such as ‘The Jeffersons,’ ‘The Love Boat,’ ‘Married… With Children,’ and ‘ER.’ He portrayed Uncle Junior on ‘The Jamie Foxx Show’ from 1996 to 2001 and played Earl in the CBS series ‘2 Broke Girls’ from 2011 to 2017. He also has upcoming projects, including the comedy film ‘Freaky Deaky.’
Morris has also shared reflections on aging, noting in an interview shortly before his 89th birthday in February, ‘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.’
