Garrett Morris is one of those ubiquitous character actors that, for long as most audiences remember, has always played the wizened old man. He’s a legendary comedian and actor who has been entertaining audiences for the last five decades, after his rise to fame in the 1970s as a cast member on Saturday Night Live, where he showcased his incredible talent for comedy. Over the years, Morris has proved that he’s a versatile actor, appearing in numerous films, TV shows, and on stage, always impressing the audience with his unforgettable performance.
From roles on Jamie Foxx Show as Junior to his perhaps most recent and well-known work on 2 Broke Girls, Morris occupies a lane of familiarity and instant recognition that only a few actors have the grace of reaching. And while he’s mostly known for his portrayals as the “cool older guy,” his acting chops stretch further back than most casual viewers are aware of. Here are six roles from Garrett Morris that live in our heads, rent-free.
Chico Escuela — SNL Weekend Update
Though he appeared in numerous television shows and cinematic releases in the early ’70s, Garrett Morris’ most notable work from that era was as part of the original cast members on NBC’s Saturday Night Live from 1975 to 1980.
One of his best-known characters on the show was Chico Escuela (Spanish for “boy school”), a washed-up baseball player turned Weekend Update correspondent. Morris’s performance as Chico Escuela was both funny and evocative since Chico was a lovable loser, always searching for the next big break. The character’s catchphrase, “Baseball been berra berra good to me,” is still referenced in pop culture today.
Morris portrayed several characters on SNL, but the fact is that he was frequently unhappy during his tenure. He believed that he was usually typecast in stereotypical roles; other African American performers following Morris have publicly expressed their concerns about experiencing the same typecasting as Morris did.
Earl Washington — 2 Broke Girls
In 2011, Morris was cast as Earl Washington, an elderly cashier who worked at the Williamsburg Diner since 1962 or 1989 — the show referenced two different dates in Season 4 and Season 5. Earl is a former jazz musician with a love for marijuana and gambling, and he’s very close to Max, one of the two financially challenged girls.
His performance in the show was understated and subtle, but he still managed to steal the spotlight in every scene he appeared in, even for a brief moment. He appeared in all six seasons of the show. By Season 6, he started showing signs of memory loss, but the show never actually explored this topic seriously.
Garrett’s performance in 2 Broke Girls was truly a testament to his immense acting talent, as he was able to make a supporting character just as memorable as the show’s main cast.
Stan Winters — Martin
In Martin — one of Fox’s highest-rated shows during the sitcom’s run — Morris played Martin’s shady and irritable boss at the radio station where Martin worked. He was a perpetually scheming character always concerned with profitability; he had a love-hate relationship with the show’s protagonist, often criticizing him for his on-air antics while also recognizing his talent and popularity among the radio station’s listeners.
Morris’s portrayal of Winters was a truly standout performance; the actor brought a sense of humor and gravitas to the role. Morris had great chemistry with Martin Lawrence — Martin‘s Martin — as well as the rest of the cast, and his scenes often provided some of the show’s biggest laughs. Then again, Morris’s ability to bring both humor and heart to his roles has always been one of his greatest strengths as an actor, and his role as Stan Winters was no exception.
Uncle Junior — The Jamie Foxx Show
Morris appeared on several episodes of The Jamie Foxx Show in the late ’90s. The Jamie Foxx Show follows an aspiring musician, portrayed by Jamie Foxx, who goes to Los Angeles to pursue a career in entertainment. Like many aspiring artists, Jamie works at his uncle’s hotel, King Tower, to support himself.
Morris portrays Uncle Junior King, Jamie’s uncle and owner of the hotel where Jamie works. Morris’s portrayal of Junior was praised for its humor and energy, and his time on the screen was always a joy to watch. In fact, he remains one of the most memorable characters on the show.
Mr. Mason — Cooley High
1975’s Cooley High is a coming-of-age comedy-drama in which Morris portrays Mr. Mason, a caring and inspirational high school history teacher who serves as a mentor to a group of students at an inner-city Chicago high school in the 1960s. Morris’s performance was praised for its authenticity and warmth, and Mr. Mason became one of the most beloved figures in the film.
Slide — Car Wash
Slide is one of Morris’s iconic performances that played a crucial role in cementing his reputation as one of the most talented actors of the 1970s. Morris portrayed a quick-witted and street-smart employee at the Dee-Luxe Car Wash. The character is a fan favorite, known for his snappy comebacks and infectious energy; Morris’s performance as Slide is widely regarded by the audiences as one of the highlights of the film.
Final Thoughts
Garrett Morris enjoys a long and distinguished acting career, and his ability to bring humor, heart, and humanity to his performance made him one of the most beloved character actors in the industry. So, regardless of whether he’s playing a wise high-school teacher, a no-nonsense radio station boss, or a sassy and sarcastic cashier at a diner, Morris always brings his A-game, leaving an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.