Biography
New York-born
Saturday Night Live cast member Tracy Morgan memorably spoofed everyone from Fat Albert to Tiger Woods' father during his time on the long-running comedy television staple. Working in mostly bit roles until a scathingly incisive skit in which he claimed that his biggest role each week was the guy waving in the background during the closing credits, Morgan then began a streak of standout characters that quickly placed his distinctive mark among his fellow cast members.
Morgan appeared on television's
Martin before joining the cast of
SNL in September 1996, later appearing in
3rd Rock From the Sun and in such films as
Half Baked (1998) and
Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back (2001). With his film career picking up momentum with such comedies as
30 Years to Life and Frank McKlusky, C.I., it appeared that Morgan would enjoy a healthy career away from his
Saturday Night Live home. Morgan appeared in the
Chris Rock-directed comedy
Head of State, and was the star of the short-lived sitcom The Tracy Morgan Show. He also contributed regularly to the prank-phone-calls-with-puppets series
Crank Yankers. In addition to a video release compiling his most memorable moments from
Saturday Night Live, Morgan appeared in
Adam Sandler's remake of
The Longest Yard, and played a role in the Wayans brothers comedy
Little Man. Morgan was one of many contributors to
Bob Saget's spoof
Farce of the Penguins. In the fall of 2006, he joined the cast of
30 Rock, former
SNL head writer
Tina Fey's new sitcom about the backstage antics at a similar live sketch comedy show. ~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide