Tracy Morgan’s New Sitcom ‘Crutch’ Mirrors His Personal Life, Drawing Inspiration from His Father
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Tracy Morgan, known for his comedic talents, is back on television screens, starring in the Paramount+ sitcom ‘Crutch.’ The show, which premiered on Nov. 3, is a spinoff of the popular CBS comedy ‘The Neighborhood,’ led by Cedric the Entertainer. In ‘Crutch,’ Morgan takes on the role of Francois “Frank” Crutchfield, a vibrant Harlem shop owner whose life takes a turn when his sophisticated son and free-spirited daughter return home.
The 56-year-old actor shared exclusively with PEOPLE that the series reflects a significant aspect of his own life. Drawing parallels with his personal experiences, he highlighted, “It’s 100 percent me because I’m just mimicking my dad. My older brother moved back in with my father, and that was sort of a battle, but a teachable moment. Imagine Simba moving back in with Mufasa. Who’s the Lion King? My father had to go about it in a graceful way, let my brother know he was the Mufasa. And I’m just mimicking that.”
Morgan also embraced the opportunity to make the set of ‘Crutch’ a family affair. His 12-year-old daughter, Maven Sonae, who he shares with ex-wife Megan Wollover, even made a cameo appearance in the series. Maven, portraying a character named Raven, expressed her excitement about being on set, sharing, “It’s really cool being on a set and being dressed up. I like fashion.” In the show, Maven’s character negotiates a deal with Crutch after selling popcorn to fund a school trip.
Reflecting on his career trajectory, Morgan disclosed, “I love everything that I’ve done. I’m an older man now, so it’s that much fun. It’s getting even better now that I have the experience. You can’t see how big the mountain is if you’re right up on it. You have to step back and look at it and go, ‘Wow, that mountain is big.’ Now I see how big this mountain is. Now I’m gonna climb it. And I’m gonna climb it just because it’s there.”
Following a life-altering highway accident in 2014 that left him critically injured and claimed the life of his friend, James McNair, Morgan’s perspective on life and work shifted. He recalled the wise words of his grandmother during his early days of recovery, “Don’t cry for me. There’s people out there doing a lot worse. My grandmother told me that when I was in the hospital…So I feel fortunate.”
Morgan expressed immense gratitude for his journey, particularly emphasising the presence of Maven and her mother during his recovery period. Grateful for each day, he shared, “I feel fortunate. I feel great. Every morning I wake up. Even on a cloudy day, the sun might not be out, but it’s up. The rest is up to me.” When asked about advice he would give his younger self, Morgan confidently stated, “Keep doing what you’re doing. You’re doing fine.”
‘Crutch’ is now available for streaming on Paramount+, offering viewers a glimpse into Morgan’s life and experiences through the lens of comedy and family dynamics. With a renewed focus on selecting projects that resonate with meaning, Morgan continues to captivate audiences with his unique blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling.
Overall, Tracy Morgan’s new sitcom ‘Crutch’ serves as a poignant reflection of his personal journey, showcasing the comedian’s growth, resilience, and unwavering commitment to his craft and family.