Tracy Morgan: from poverty to $ 70 million. How the comedian dealt with difficulties
19 march 2025 в 22:13
Tracy Morgan is one of the most successful comedians in show business, but his achievements did not come easily. The actor gained recognition after appearing in the sketch comedy series Saturday Night Live. From there, his career and net worth grew alongside his rise to fame.
Find out below where Morgan’s net worth stands today and more about his career.
Morgan gradually achieved success. Hailing from Brooklyn, he began his comedy career performing on the streets of New York. Initially, he struggled financially, engaging in cocaine trafficking after his father’s death. But it was the murder of his best friend that led him to turn to comedy.
«He told me, 'Hey, Tracy, man, you should do comedy,'» Morgan said in a 2009 interview, according to NPR. «A week later, he got killed. And for me, it was like my Vietnam. I had survivor’s guilt when I started to achieve success. Why did I make it out and some guys didn’t?»
Ultimately, Morgan was invited to Saturday Night Live. From there, he became well-known and continued his comedy career, appearing in various films and TV shows such as 30 Rock and The Last O.G.
As of March 2025, Morgan’s net worth is $ 70 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Morgan has had a complicated health history, which he has openly discussed for many years. From diabetes to alcoholism and a car accident in 2014, the comedian has faced challenges.
During a previous interview on Maino Presents Kitchen Talk on Fox Soul, the former Saturday Night Live cast member recalled how he started drinking.
«I got on SNL and started drinking», - Morgan admitted. «Because doing live broadcasts in front of 20 million people every week is like being shot out of a cannon. … When you’re famous and funny, every time you walk into a club, someone always says, 'Can I buy you a drink? Can I buy you a drink?' Because they think when you’re drunk, you’ll be funny, but being drunk has nothing to do with your sense of humor. You’re not even focused when you’re drunk. So I’m an alcoholic. I started drinking and got two DUIs in a year. I thank the Lord I didn’t lose my legs, didn’t kill anyone, and didn’t go to jail».
However, Morgan has made it a goal to maintain his health. In March 2024, he confirmed to PEOPLE magazine that he used Ozempic for weight loss. This weight loss medication is typically prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes.
«Ozempic worked well for me, and I was happy to use it», - he said. «I take Ozempic every Thursday. It cuts my appetite in half».
In March 2025, Morgan caused widespread concern when he was seen collapsing on the court during a New York Knicks game. He had to be taken off in a wheelchair.
Morgan updated his followers on his condition after his illness at the Knicks game went viral. The comedian took to Instagram to thank everyone for their concern.
«I'm okay now, and the doctors say it was food poisoning», - Morgan captioned a photo of himself lying on a hospital bed. «I appreciate my MSG family for taking such good care of me, and I must give thanks to the crew who had to clean this up. Appreciate you! And, more importantly, the Knicks are now 1−0 when I’m tearing up the court, so maybe I’ll have to do it again in the playoffs».
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
Find out below where Morgan’s net worth stands today and more about his career.
Morgan gradually achieved success. Hailing from Brooklyn, he began his comedy career performing on the streets of New York. Initially, he struggled financially, engaging in cocaine trafficking after his father’s death. But it was the murder of his best friend that led him to turn to comedy.
«He told me, 'Hey, Tracy, man, you should do comedy,'» Morgan said in a 2009 interview, according to NPR. «A week later, he got killed. And for me, it was like my Vietnam. I had survivor’s guilt when I started to achieve success. Why did I make it out and some guys didn’t?»
Ultimately, Morgan was invited to Saturday Night Live. From there, he became well-known and continued his comedy career, appearing in various films and TV shows such as 30 Rock and The Last O.G.
As of March 2025, Morgan’s net worth is $ 70 million, according to Celebrity Net Worth.
Morgan has had a complicated health history, which he has openly discussed for many years. From diabetes to alcoholism and a car accident in 2014, the comedian has faced challenges.
During a previous interview on Maino Presents Kitchen Talk on Fox Soul, the former Saturday Night Live cast member recalled how he started drinking.
«I got on SNL and started drinking», - Morgan admitted. «Because doing live broadcasts in front of 20 million people every week is like being shot out of a cannon. … When you’re famous and funny, every time you walk into a club, someone always says, 'Can I buy you a drink? Can I buy you a drink?' Because they think when you’re drunk, you’ll be funny, but being drunk has nothing to do with your sense of humor. You’re not even focused when you’re drunk. So I’m an alcoholic. I started drinking and got two DUIs in a year. I thank the Lord I didn’t lose my legs, didn’t kill anyone, and didn’t go to jail».
However, Morgan has made it a goal to maintain his health. In March 2024, he confirmed to PEOPLE magazine that he used Ozempic for weight loss. This weight loss medication is typically prescribed to patients with type 2 diabetes.
«Ozempic worked well for me, and I was happy to use it», - he said. «I take Ozempic every Thursday. It cuts my appetite in half».
In March 2025, Morgan caused widespread concern when he was seen collapsing on the court during a New York Knicks game. He had to be taken off in a wheelchair.
Morgan updated his followers on his condition after his illness at the Knicks game went viral. The comedian took to Instagram to thank everyone for their concern.
«I'm okay now, and the doctors say it was food poisoning», - Morgan captioned a photo of himself lying on a hospital bed. «I appreciate my MSG family for taking such good care of me, and I must give thanks to the crew who had to clean this up. Appreciate you! And, more importantly, the Knicks are now 1−0 when I’m tearing up the court, so maybe I’ll have to do it again in the playoffs».
If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction, contact the National Helpline for Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services (SAMHSA) at 1−800−662-HELP (4357)
© Artemenko Olga
