Garrett Morris Reflects On Breaking Barriers As SNL’s First Black Cast Member

Fifty years after Saturday Night Live debuted, its legacy continues to evolve, reflecting cultural shifts while spotlighting diverse voices. Original cast member Garrett Morris, the show’s first Black performer, recently shared his experiences on the show's early days and the racism he encountered in the writers' room when it launched in 1975.

Speaking with The Guardian, Morris credited SNL creator Lorne Michaels for pushing for diversity despite resistance. “Lorne himself? Zero racism. When I was hired, I was the only Black writer. Lorne wanted someone Black on TV at night,” Morris explained, emphasizing that Michaels fought to include a Black presence on mainstream television.

During his five-year tenure from 1975 to 1980, Morris often resisted stereotypical roles. He recalled an early moment when he suggested playing a doctor in a sketch, only to be told it might “throw” viewers to see a Black doctor. This experience highlighted the cultural gaps Morris worked to bridge during his time on the show.

Morris's pioneering role paved the way for other notable Black cast members, including Eddie Murphy, Maya Rudolph, and Kenan Thompson. Reflecting on his legacy, Morris expressed pride in his role in diversifying SNL. "I created the chair for the non-white performer,” he said.

Lamorne Morris recently portrayed Garrett Morris in Saturday Night, a film by Jason Reitman that dramatizes the moments leading up to SNL's first broadcast on October 11, 1975, capturing the groundbreaking energy that would forever change television.