Lamorne Morris’s Kindness Earned Him a “Fargo” Role and an Emmy Nomination

When Lamorne Morris received a call from “Fargo” showrunner Noah Hawley, he was initially bewildered. Known for his role as sensitive prankster and cat lover Winston Bishop on Fox’s “New Girl,” Morris was surprised Hawley wanted him for a leading role in Season 5 of “Fargo.” For Hawley, Morris’s unique ability to convey simple human kindness made him the perfect fit for the character deputy Witt Farr. This role has now garnered Morris his first Emmy Award nomination, which he described as a blessing during a conversation.

Reflecting on his career and this new recognition, Morris shared how he naturally integrated comedy into his performances alongside his co-stars. Dubbed “sweetest man alive” by Edible Arrangements, Morris discussed the lasting impact of Winston, his experiences filling in for Jimmy Kimmel, and his unexpected truths about cats.

Morris was already a fan of “Fargo” and was watching the series when he received the call. The opportunity was surreal since it wasn’t an audition but a direct offer from Hawley. Morris appreciated this chance as it was a significant departure from his previous comedic roles. “New Girl” was whimsical and comedic, while “Fargo” presented high stakes and dramatic elements. Initially, Morris was unsure if Hawley wanted a “New Girl”-like interpretation, but Hawley assured him it was his genuine kindness that was needed for the character.

The actor, known for his sweet roles, admitted that he desires to play an absolute monster one day. He dreams of being cast as a villain in a horror movie, confident it would work well.

Discussing his character in “Fargo,” Morris connected Witt Farr with his personal experiences and relationships. He drew from his background and people he knew who embodied similar traits to Farr. Growing up in the Midwest, Morris was familiar with the Minnesota accent, which undoubtedly helped in his performance. Moreover, Morris related to Farr’s sense of debt to a woman who saved his life and his silent understanding of her struggles, using his life experiences to bring authenticity to the role.

Working alongside Juno Temple, Morris found an intense and productive partnership. Temple kept him connected to his character’s emotional depth, helping him recall past experiences and the struggles of people he knew. This collaboration enriched Morris’s portrayal of Witt Farr.

The unique blend of comedy and drama in “Fargo” required a delicate balance. Morris explained that while the show has comedic elements, the actors play their roles with earnestness, allowing the humor to emerge naturally. His background in improv, honed at Second City where he received the Chris Farley scholarship, significantly influenced his approach to the role.

Additionally, Morris is portraying Garrett Morris in the film “Saturday Night,” depicting the original cast of “Saturday Night Live.” Although he knew Garrett from TV shows like “Martin” and “The Jamie Foxx Show,” he delved into researching his life and connecting with him personally. This added depth to his portrayal, supplemented by memories from his time at Second City, surrounded by comedy legends.

Morris expressed his desire to host “Saturday Night Live,” seeing it as a significant milestone in his career. Being part of the “Saturday Night” cast feels equally rewarding, and he hopes for an opportunity to host.

The Emmy nomination has brought changes, yet Morris hopes to maintain his enjoyable work-life balance. He values the fun and stress-relief that acting brings and cherishes the camaraderie with his friends and family. Podcasting, where Morris can freely express his personality, provides another avenue for connecting with fans, offering a genuine glimpse into his life.

Morris recounted how his mother disapproves of his cursing, even playfully reprimanding him with songs. At 40, turning 41 soon, his mother remains a grounding influence in his life.

Reflecting on his recent experiences, Morris shared his feelings about guest-hosting “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” especially when significant political news broke just before his appearance. Despite his reluctance to delve into politics, the show’s writers balanced the humor, ensuring a smooth performance.

Morris also spoke about joining the cast of “Unstable” for its second season. Despite initial nerves, he found the experience welcoming and gratifying, particularly enjoying his interactions with Rob Lowe and the rest of the cast.

While “New Girl” holds a special place in fans’ hearts, Morris humorously clarified his stance on cats. Allergic and wary of their unpredictable nature, he prefers pets that can communicate their moods.

Lastly, Morris expressed excitement about his upcoming role in the “Spider-Noir” series for Marvel. A lifelong comic book fan, he sees this as a dream come true and eagerly anticipates working alongside Nic Cage.

Source: Particlenews