Garrett Morris, an acclaimed Dillard University alumni who graduated with a degree in Vocal Music, is set to receive the 2,771st star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on February 1, 2024, coinciding with his 87th birthday. This honor celebrates his extensive career, which spans several decades in the entertainment industry.
Morris, a prominent member of the Dillard University Concert Choir (DUCC) during his university years, furthered his artistic training at the Juilliard School of Music in New York. His journey led him to groundbreaking roles, most notably as one of the original cast members of “Saturday Night Live” (SNL) in its inaugural season in 1975-1976. As a pioneering African-American comedian on the show, Morris played a significant role in diversifying the landscape of American comedy.
Beyond his iconic tenure on SNL, Morris’s career includes a variety of roles in television and film. He appeared in popular TV series such as “The Jeffersons,” “Martin,” “The Jamie Foxx Show,” and “Two Broke Girls.” His film credits include notable performances in “Cooley High,” “Car Wash,” and “Coneheads.” Each role showcased his versatility as an actor and his unique comedic style.
Morris also demonstrated his musical prowess as a soloist and arranger with the Harry Belafonte Singers, combining his comedic and acting skills with his musical talent.
Receiving a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame places Morris in the company of other celebrated New Orleans natives, including Louis Armstrong, Fats Domino, Mahalia Jackson, Dorothy Lamour, Ellen DeGeneres, Reese Witherspoon, and Harry Connick Jr. This accolade not only acknowledges Morris’s individual achievements but also highlights Dillard University’s commitment to cultivating artists who excel in various aspects of the arts.
As Garrett Morris prepares to receive his Hollywood star, we at Dillard University join the community in celebrating this milestone. We also extend heartfelt birthday wishes to him, honoring a career that has been as remarkable as his personal journey. Garrett Morris’s achievements stand as a shining example of the heights that Dillard University alumni can reach.
Dillard University Celebrates Alumnus Garrett Morris’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
