By WBLS Staff
After five decades of performing, Garrett Morris is being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. To make the celebratory event an even better day for Garrett… it was his 87th birthday!
On Thursday, February 1, Morris received the 2,771st star in the category of Television. Actress Tichina Arnold and director/producer Oz Scott were in attendance.
At his unveiling ceremony, Morris relished being in the spotlight in front of fans, family and friends, and reminisced about many parts of his long journey in show business. In the end, however, it was all about gratitude.
“I am so thankful for this day,” said Morris. “I have a whole lot of stuff I want to say but I can’t do it all. But when you see my star, just look at it and smile because all I’ve ever wanted was to bring a little light to the world I hope I’ve done it.”
Friends and fellow actors Tichina Arnold and Jennifer Coolidge helped with the ceremony. Garrett’s very large extended family was on hand to help cheer him on at this special birthday celebration.
Morris’ decorated career started in the 1970s as a singer before pivoting into acting. His first professional break was performing with the Harry Belafonte Singers, with whom he remained for ten years. During this time, Morris branched out into acting, appearing in both Broadway and Off-Broadway musicals including “Porgy and Bess,” “Show Boat,” “Finian’s Rainbow,” “Ain’t Supposed To Die A Natural Death,” “The Great White Hope,” and “The Basic Training of Pavlo Hummer.” He’s notoriety skyrocketed after starring in “Saturday Night Live” from 1975 to 1980.
Morris’s performances in such TV comedies as “Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “The Wayans Brothers” are presently playing daily in syndication, and Morris continues to be recognized for appearances on “Married with Children,” “Family Guy” and “The Jeffersons.”
