Garrett Morris Will Celebrate His 87th Birthday With A Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame. Morris will finally be recognized after a career that began in the 1960s.
Garrett Morris, an actor and comedian, will be honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on his 87th birthday on Thursday, marking the start of Black History Month.
The Hollywood Chamber of Commerce chose Morris as the 2,771st celebrity to have their name etched into the famous sidewalks that extend more than a dozen blocks of Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles.
Guest speakers at Morris’ career milestone will include actress Tichina Arnold and director-producer Oz Scott, both of whom have worked with him on television or film projects.
Morris initially rose to prominence as a singer in the 1960s and is best known for his performances in dozens of television series, including becoming the first Black cast member of the long-running sketch comedy show “Saturday Night Live” and appearing in the sitcom “Martin.”
“Garrett Morris is an absolute entertainment legend who is ready for his moment on the Walk of Fame! He joins fellow SNL legends such as Chevy Chase, John Belushi, and Gilda Radner on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, according to producer Ana Martinez.
Morris, a New Orleans native and Dillard University alumni, initially rose to prominence in the entertainment industry with the Harry Belafonte Singers, with whom he sang for ten years. He moved into acting after obtaining parts in Broadway and off-Broadway musicals such as “Porgy and Bess,” “Show Boat,” “Finian’s Rainbow,” and “Ain’t Supposed To Die A Natural Death,” among others.
Most recently, the 86-year-old had a recurring appearance on the famous CBS comedy “2 Broke Girls.” His long acting resume includes roles in popular TV comedies, including “The Jamie Foxx Show” and “The Wayans Brothers.” According to the Hollywood Chamber of Commerce, Morris has also appeared in films such as “Married with Children,” “Family Guy,” “The Jeffersons,” “Grand Crew,” “Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker,” and “Station 19.
From 1975 until 1980, the comedian was the first Black cast member to appear on Saturday Night Live.
Morris was elected into the Television Academy Hall of Fame in recognition of his remarkable achievements in the entertainment business.
Morris has received several accolades for his civil rights advocacy, ranging from his engagement in the desegregation of the Actors Equity Association to his participation in the Black theater movement with poet and playwright Amiri Baraka.
While the erstwhile beloved “Not Ready for Prime Time Players” is no longer bringing characters to life on film, Morris’ devotion to entertainment remains as owner and operator of The LA Blues & Comedy Club, according to the Chamber.
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