Challenges Faced by Tracy Morgan: Obstacles and Turning Points

A closer look at the defining struggles that shaped Tracy Morgan's life and career.

Tracy Morgan is an American stand-up comedian and actor known for his roles in popular television shows. He gained prominence as a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1996 to 2003. He further solidified his comedic presence playing Tracy Jordan in the NBC sitcom 30 Rock from 2006 to 2013, receiving a Primetime Emmy nomination for his performance. More recently, he starred as Tray Barker in the TBS comedy The Last O.G.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Challenges & Struggles

1985: Father's HIV diagnosis

In 1985, during his senior year at DeWitt Clinton High School, Tracy Morgan learned that his father had contracted HIV from hypodermic needle use.

January 1987: Father's Death

In January 1987, Tracy Morgan's father passed away at the age of 38 after contracting HIV.

1996: Diabetes Diagnosis

In 1996, Tracy Morgan was diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, marking the beginning of his ongoing health challenges.

August 2009: Filed for Divorce

In August 2009, Tracy Morgan filed for divorce from his wife Sabina, after approximately eight years of separation. He also mentioned being estranged from his mother and most of his family in 2009.

2009: Reflection on early life

In 2009, Tracy Morgan reflected on his past, including selling crack cocaine and starting comedy after a friend's murder, expressing feelings of survival guilt.

December 2010: Kidney Transplant

In December 2010, Tracy Morgan underwent a kidney transplant necessitated by his diabetes and alcohol use.

2012: Mother's Foreclosure and Family Issues

In 2012, Tracy Morgan's mother, Alicia Warden, faced foreclosure on her home in Youngstown, Ohio, after being laid off. She requested financial assistance from Morgan, who offered a one-time gift of $2,000, which she refused. Morgan stated he hadn't seen his mother in 11 years and preferred to keep family issues private.

June 7, 2014: Involved in multi-vehicle crash

On June 7, 2014, Tracy Morgan was involved in a six-vehicle crash in New Jersey when the minibus he was in was struck by a Walmart tractor-trailer, resulting in the death of his friend James McNair.

June 20, 2014: Released from Hospital

On June 20, 2014, Tracy Morgan was released from Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and transferred to a rehabilitation facility to continue recovering from injuries sustained in the June 7 crash.

July 10, 2014: Filed Negligence Suit Against Walmart

On July 10, 2014, Tracy Morgan filed a negligence lawsuit against Walmart, alleging that the company knew or should have known that the truck driver had not slept for over 24 hours before the June 7 crash.

July 12, 2014: Released from Rehab Center

On July 12, 2014, Tracy Morgan was released from the rehabilitation center, continuing his recovery from injuries sustained in the June 7 crash.

September 2014: Walmart Claimed Victims Not Wearing Seat Belts

In September 2014, Walmart cast partial blame on Tracy Morgan and other victims of the June 7 crash for not wearing seat belts, a claim that Morgan and his counsel denied.

October 2014: Undergoing Rehab

By October 2014, Tracy Morgan was still undergoing rehabilitation and required a wheelchair when taking more than "some steps" due to injuries from the June 7 crash.

2014: Hospital Visit After Traffic Accident

In 2014, shortly after Tracy Morgan's traffic accident, his mother reportedly attempted to visit him in the hospital but was initially turned away by security and his future wife. She was later allowed a brief five-minute visit while Morgan was still comatose.