Garrett Morris, a veteran comedian, actor, and singer, has built an impressive career spanning over six decades. Best known as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and for his roles in hit sitcoms like Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, and 2 Broke Girls, Morris remains a celebrated figure in entertainment. As of 2025, his net worth is estimated at $1 million, a testament to his longevity in Hollywood. His career, filled with both triumphs and hardships, showcases his resilience and talent in the ever-evolving entertainment industry.
Early Life and Education
Born Garrett Isaac Morris on February 1, 1937, in New Orleans, Louisiana, his childhood was shaped by music, faith, and adversity. Raised primarily by his grandparents, Morris found solace in gospel and blues music, influenced by his grandfather, a Methodist preacher. By the time he was five years old, Morris had already developed a deep passion for singing.
Despite a challenging upbringing, he excelled academically and artistically. He pursued higher education at Dillard University, graduating in 1958. He later attended the prestigious Juilliard School of Music, sharpening his vocal and theatrical skills. His early career saw him performing with the Harry Belafonte Singers, which gave him exposure to the professional music and performance industry.
Breaking into Acting and Early Career
Morris started his acting career in New York City, where he became involved in the Black Arts Repertory Theatre/School, a significant cultural movement in Harlem. His early roles included theater performances on Broadway, appearing in productions such as Hallelujah, Baby!, I’m Solomon, and Ain’t Supposed to Die a Natural Death.
His television debut came in 1960 when he appeared in CBS Repertoire Workshop, followed by a guest role in General Hospital (1963). He gradually built a presence in Hollywood with minor roles in films like Where’s Poppa? (1970) and The Anderson Tapes (1971). However, it was in 1975 that Morris landed the opportunity that would change his career forever.
Rise to Fame on Saturday Night Live (SNL)
In 1975, Garrett Morris became one of the original cast members of NBC’s Saturday Night Live, making history as one of the first African American performers on the show. His five-season tenure on SNL (1975–1980) was marked by his ability to portray a wide range of characters, often breaking racial barriers in comedy.
Some of his most memorable SNL characters included:
- Chico Escuela, a Dominican baseball player known for the catchphrase, “Baseball been berry, berry good to me.”
- Merkon the Conehead, part of the iconic Coneheads sketches.
- Grant Robinson Jr., a recurring character in The Nerds sketches.
Morris also became known for his celebrity impersonations, mimicking legends like Richard Pryor, Muhammad Ali, James Brown, Bob Marley, and Sammy Davis Jr. However, despite his success, he often expressed frustration about being typecast and having fewer creative opportunities compared to his white co-stars.
Television and Film Success in the 80s and 90s
After leaving SNL, Morris transitioned into television and film, appearing in numerous projects throughout the 1980s and 1990s. His film roles included appearances in How to Beat the High Cost of Living (1980), Car Wash (1976), and Coneheads (1993). He was also a guest star on TV classics like Diff’rent Strokes, The Jeffersons, and Married… with Children.
He found more stable television roles later, playing Sporty James in Hunter (1986–1989), followed by his popular role as Stan Winters in Martin (1992–1995), where he played a quirky and sometimes mischievous character in Martin Lawrence’s hit sitcom. From 1996 to 2001, he starred as Uncle Junior King on The Jamie Foxx Show, further solidifying his status as a beloved comedic actor.
A Near-Fatal Incident: The 1994 Shooting
One of the most traumatic moments in Morris’s life came in 1994, when he was shot in an attempted mugging in South Central Los Angeles. The bullet lodged in his spine, and he underwent multiple surgeries, spending more than a month in the hospital. Despite the severity of the injury, Morris showed remarkable resilience and even filmed a scene for Martin from his hospital bed.
Years later, while appearing on Marc Maron’s WTF podcast (2016), Morris revealed that the shooter had been arrested and convicted, and that some of his incarcerated fans had retaliated against the assailant in prison.
Later Career and 2 Broke Girls
Morris continued acting into the 2000s, appearing in cult-favorite films like How High (2001) and The Longshots (2008). He also guest-starred in TV series such as ER, The Wayans Bros., and Boston Common.
One of his most significant later roles came when he was cast as Earl Washington in 2 Broke Girls (2011–2017), appearing in 138 episodes. The CBS sitcom introduced him to a new generation of fans, and his role as a wise, laid-back cashier with a love for jazz resonated with audiences.
During this period, he also appeared in Marvel’s Ant-Man (2015), where he played a humorous cameo as an ex-convict working at a Baskin-Robbins.
Personal Life, Honors, and Legacy
Garrett Morris was married to Freda, a former dancer, in 1996, but the couple later separated. In 2007, Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa declared February 9 as Garrett Morris Day in recognition of his contributions to the Black community and comedy.
Morris also co-owned The Downtown Comedy Club in Los Angeles, which was later renamed Garrett Morris’ Downtown Blues & Comedy Club.
Net Worth and Real Estate
As of 2025, Morris’s estimated net worth is $1 million, primarily from his long-standing career in television, film, and comedy. In 1999, he purchased a 1,308-square-foot home in Burbank, Los Angeles, for $273,500.
Final Thoughts
Garrett Morris’s career is a testament to resilience, talent, and groundbreaking achievements in comedy. From his trailblazing role on SNL to his work in iconic sitcoms, he has remained a relevant and beloved figure in entertainment. His ability to overcome adversity, including surviving a near-fatal shooting, makes his story even more inspiring.
With an enduring legacy in comedy, television, and film, Garrett Morris continues to be a respected voice in entertainment, proving that true talent stands the test of time.