Tracy Morgan felt like he was being “culturally isolated” after he joined “Saturday Night Live.” The revelation comes as part of the show’s upcoming 50th-anniversary documentary series, shedding light on the diverse experiences of cast members throughout its history.
The 56-year-old comedian joined the cast of the hit comedy show in 1996, but Morgan has admitted that he initially struggled to adjust. His journey represents one of many stories about diversity and inclusion in mainstream television during the 1990s.
“I wanted to show them my world, how funny it was. But the first three years, I felt like I was being culturally isolated sometimes,” he told “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night.” Morgan’s candid admission reflects the broader challenges faced by performers of color in predominantly White entertainment spaces.
Morgan’s candid admission
“I’m coming from a world of Blacks. I’m an inner-city kid. To be on the Whitest show in America, I felt by myself. I felt like they weren’t getting it.” His experience mirrors similar accounts from other minority performers who have navigated mainstream television during that era.
However, Morgan‘s outlook changed following a conversation with Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator. This pivotal moment would shape Morgan’s approach to comedy and his subsequent seven-year tenure on the show.
“Lorne Michaels had that talk with me. He said, ‘Tracy, I hired you because you’re funny, not because you’re Black. So just do your thing.’ And that’s when I started doing my thing,” the comedian explained. This conversation marked a turning point in Morgan’s career, leading to some of his most memorable performances on the show.
Will Ferrell chimes in
Meanwhile, Will Ferrell previously hailed “Saturday Night Live” as the “hardest but most fun job” of his career. His perspective adds another dimension to the show’s complex legacy and its impact on performers.
The actor starred on the long-running comedy show between 1995 and 2002, and Ferrell now looks back on that period with a lot of fondness. During his tenure, he shared the stage with Morgan and witnessed the show’s evolution firsthand.
“I had a wonderful seven seasons on that show, where I made lifelong friends,” Ferrell, one of the biggest comedy stars in Hollywood, told PEOPLE. The relationships formed during his time on SNL have continued to influence his career and creative collaborations.
“I knew in that moment it would be the hardest but most fun job I would ever get to do, and I still look back on it that way,” Ferrell said. His sentiment echoes the experiences of many SNL alumni who have gone on to successful careers in entertainment.
“Saturday Night Live” is celebrating its 50th anniversary in 2025, and Ferrell feels proud of the role he’s played in the program’s success. The show’s longevity stands as a testament to its cultural impact and ability to evolve with changing times.
“It’s really an amazing thing that you have this live television show that still continues to put its finger on the pulse of what we’re all thinking about, and it’s a real credit to Lorne for having thought of it in the first place,” Ferrell said. The show’s influence on American comedy and popular culture remains significant after five decades on air.
Room for growth
Morgan’s story highlights the ongoing dialogue about representation in entertainment and the importance of creating inclusive spaces in comedy. His experience on SNL, from initial struggles to eventual success, demonstrates the show’s capacity for growth and adaptation.
The documentary “SNL50: Beyond Saturday Night” promises to offer unprecedented insights into the show’s history, featuring interviews with numerous cast members and behind-the-scenes stories that have shaped American comedy. As the show approaches its milestone anniversary, these personal accounts provide valuable perspective on its evolution and enduring impact on television culture.
