AceShowbiz - Marking the 50th anniversary of "Saturday Night Live" ("SNL"), founding cast member Garrett Morris has candidly discussed his transformative journey as the show's first Black performer.

In an interview with The Guardian, Morris revealed that while facing "zero racism" from creator Lorne Michaels, he encountered significant racism from his fellow writers. Despite this, Michaels remained steadfast in his desire for diversity, hiring Morris at a time when others opposed the inclusion of a Black cast member.

During his five-year tenure on "SNL" (1975-1980), Morris pushed back against attempts to pigeonhole him into stereotypical roles. He recalled an incident where he challenged the reluctance to cast him as a doctor, despite his experience living in a community with numerous Black medical professionals.

Morris's groundbreaking presence on "SNL" paved the way for the likes of Eddie Murphy, Maya Rudolph and Kenan Thompson. He proudly acknowledges his role in creating a space for non-white performers on the show.

In Jason Reitman's upcoming film "Saturday Night", Lamorne Morris portrays Garrett, capturing his experiences on that fateful October 11, 1975, broadcast. The film explores the behind-the-scenes story of how a group of young comedians revolutionized television.

Despite the challenges he faced, Morris has gone on to enjoy a successful career, appearing in films and television series including Martin, The Jamie Foxx Show, and 2 Broke Girls. His relationship with Lorne Michaels remains strong, as evidenced by their collaboration on the 1993 film Coneheads.

Morris's journey serves as a testament to the ongoing struggle for diversity and representation in the entertainment industry. His legacy as a comedy legend who broke barriers and inspired generations of performers continues to resonate today.