Celebrity Info
Garrett Morris, a key figure in the evolution of American sketch comedy, emerged as a founding member of “The Not Ready for Primetime Players” when Saturday Night Live debuted on NBC in 1975. Garrett Morris brought a unique presence to the cast—not only was he the oldest performer at the time, but also the only African-American among the original lineup. This made Garrett Morris somewhat of an outsider in the early days of the show, despite his decade-long background in theater, music, and acting on New York stages. While Garrett Morris often found himself typecast into broad, sometimes stereotypical roles, he still managed to leave a lasting impression with several standout characters. One of the most beloved was Chico Escuela, a fictional former Mets player with a thick accent and the iconic line, “Base-a-boll been berry, berry good to me.” Another notable creation by Garrett Morris was the hilariously deadpan President of the New York School for the Hard of Hearing.
Even though stars like John Belushi and Bill Murray dominated much of the spotlight during those formative years, Garrett Morris held his ground. Still, frustrations over limited opportunities and creative constraints eventually led him to exit the show in 1980, alongside the rest of the original cast. Following his departure, Garrett Morris stepped away from the public eye for a time, entering what could be described as a self-imposed exile. During this period, he bravely confronted and overcame a serious drug addiction—a turning point that allowed him to reclaim his career. Slowly but steadily, Garrett Morris returned to television and film, landing roles on popular series such as The Jeffersons, which aired from 1975 to 1985 on CBS. He also appeared in the cult-favorite horror satire The Stuff (1985), showcasing his versatility beyond comedy.
In the later chapters of his career, Garrett Morris became a familiar face on sitcoms aimed at African-American audiences. A prime example is his recurring role on The Jamie Foxx Show, which ran on The WB network from 1996 to 2001. Though his time on Saturday Night Live was marked by challenges and underappreciation, Garrett Morris ultimately proved resilient. Over time, he earned a kind of nostalgic admiration—especially among younger comedians and fans who grew up quoting Chico Escuela’s endearing malapropisms. Today, Garrett Morris stands not just as a pioneer, but as a respected elder statesman of comedy, whose contributions, though once overlooked, are now recognized with genuine fondness and respect. And through it all, Garrett Morris remained a steady presence, quietly shaping the landscape of American television one memorable performance at a time.
When it comes to Garrett Morris’s film career, one standout performance shines through—his role in Cooley High (1975), which happens to be his highest rated movie. Over the years, fans and critics alike have praised this classic coming-of-age story, and it remains a highlight in Garrett Morris’s impressive body of work. On the other end of the spectrum, there’s Who’s Your Caddy? (2007), which unfortunately earned the spot as Garrett Morris’s lowest rated film. While the actor brought his signature flair to the role, the movie itself didn’t resonate as well with audiences or reviewers. Still, when you look at Garrett Morris’s overall impact on cinema, it’s clear that his talent has left a lasting mark—especially in projects like Cooley High, where Garrett Morris truly showcased his range.
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United States
