Tracy Morgan was filled with gratitude as he walked the red carpet at SNL50: The Anniversary Special on Sunday, February 16.
The comedian, who was a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1996 to 2003, reflected on his journey and the significance of being part of the historic night.
“This is incredible,” Morgan, 56, told comedian Matt Rogers during SNL50: The Red Carpet special.
“Just thank the Lord that I’m a part of this, that I survived the accident and I’m alive to be here for this.”
Morgan’s emotional words referenced the life-altering car accident he endured nearly a decade ago.
Surviving a Devastating Accident
In June 2014, Morgan was involved in a tragic crash on the New Jersey Turnpike when a Walmart truck slammed into his limo from behind. The accident killed his friend and mentor, comedian James McNair, and left Morgan in critical condition. The comedian suffered a broken leg, multiple injuries, and spent two weeks in a coma. His road to recovery was long and challenging—he used a wheelchair for five months and had to relearn how to walk and speak.
On the 10th anniversary of the accident in June 2024, Morgan shared a heartfelt message honoring McNair and the others who were affected that night. “I want to say to everyone who was in the van with me that night I love you, and we miss you, Uncle Jimmy Mac. God bless your family,” he told PEOPLE. He also extended a message of forgiveness to the driver who caused the crash. “And to the driver that night and his family, me and my comrades forgive you.”
The Aftermath and Legal Battles
The driver, Kevin Roper, had reportedly been awake for 28 hours before the crash. According to the Associated Press, Roper’s driving record with Walmart included nine “critical event reports” in the 15 weeks leading up to the incident, indicating unsafe driving behavior.
To avoid trial, Roper accepted a plea deal in November 2016, agreeing to complete 300 hours of community service in exchange for having the charges dismissed. Walmart also faced lawsuits from McNair’s family and Morgan. The retail giant reached a settlement with McNair’s two children in early 2015 and later that year settled with Morgan as well. Reports at the time suggested Morgan received a $90 million payout, though his attorney, Benedict Morelli, later clarified that the actual amount was far less.
Cherishing His SNL Legacy
Despite the hardships he has faced, Morgan remains deeply appreciative of his time on Saturday Night Live and the opportunities it brought him. Speaking to Rogers, the comedian shared that his greatest memory from the show was simply being chosen by SNL creator Lorne Michaels.
“The greatest memory ever was Lorne Michaels picking me to be a cast member,” Morgan said. “Greatest. Can’t beat that.”
During his years on SNL, Morgan became known for his high-energy characters and unforgettable comedic moments. One such moment came in 2000 during Jamie Foxx’s monologue, when he delivered the now-iconic line: “Give me a soda, bitch!”
When asked how he came up with it, Morgan explained that his comedic process starts with a simple thought: “What if?” He recalled being in an elevator alone with Lorne Michaels and smiling to himself as the idea formed in his mind.
“When I got off the floor, I told somebody, ‘Give me a soda, bitch!’ And that’s where it came from,” he said with a laugh.
A Special Night of Celebration
As Morgan joined fellow SNL alumni, cast members, and celebrity guests at the SNL50 celebration, it was clear he wasn’t just celebrating the show’s milestone—he was celebrating life itself.
For Morgan, the night was a full-circle moment, reminding him of the impact SNL had on his career and the gratitude he feels for still being able to take part in these special moments.
Follow us to see more useful information, as well as to give us more motivation to update more useful information for you.
