Comedian Tracy Morgan, appearing with Marcello Hernández on Variety and CNN’s “Actors on Actors,” joked about misbehaving in school and then criticized teachers—comments that quickly drew backlash from viewers, including teachers and critics online.
Tracy Morgan took a sip from his mug during a recent “Actors on Actors” conversation—then fired off a remark that landed like a jolt.
Paired with breakout “Saturday Night Live” cast member Marcello Hernández. the “SNL” alum was discussing what it would have been like to make the show together or even grow up alongside each other. When the talk turned to school behavior. Morgan pushed Hernández’s schoolyard confidence into a bigger. sharper argument about teachers—one that has since spread across social media.
Hernández described how teachers framed him: “They told me I did mischief in school. Mischief. I talk too much. I was excessive talking,” he said, dramatizing the moment and panning toward the camera.
Morgan responded with a counterpoint that was equal parts validation and critique. “You know who gave you that voice?” he asked. “No, they didn’t understand you. You had a sense of humor. And they couldn’t control that. God gave that to you.”
Hernández laughed agreement and added, “And now look at it. I’m getting paid for mischief.”
But Morgan’s comments shifted tone when he added, “And they still making minimum wage,” before taking another sip.
Hernández seemed caught off guard. He said “no” and laughed. Morgan kept going, asking, “You know how much them teachers probably making right now?” Hernández answered, “Man, not enough.”
From there, Morgan broadened his point beyond pay and into what he described as teachers’ limits. “And I can’t stand teachers. You know why? Because they have a ceiling. They have a limit. That’s all they ever gonna be. Man, I teach my kids, sky’s the limits.”
The exchange reportedly led to a spit take from Hernández. Still, when Variety shared a clip of the conversation, the reaction online turned more hostile than celebratory.
One viewer asked. “So how long yall gonna leave this up?” while arguing that teachers were busy at the end of the school year. “You’re aware that it’s the last week of school and us teachers are STILL busting our asses to get our kids across a stage WHILE SUPPORTING THEM FOR EXACTLY WHAT HES SAYING WE’RE NOT.”.
Another commenter accused Morgan of punching down, writing, “Not everyone can get hit by a Walmart truck and settle for multimillions,” referencing Morgan’s 2014 accident that left him hospitalized in a coma and his later legal settlement.
Others were less focused on Morgan’s personal history and more on whether the remarks should be aired at all. One user said, “I’ve never heard Tracy Morgan say something that offended me. Until now. ” before acknowledging that plenty people relate to feeling “stifled. misunderstood. unhelped by teachers. ” while also arguing that many others “find themselves flourishing because a teacher made room for their unique gifts.”.
The clip also contained lighter moments that didn’t fully drown out the controversy. Hernández and Morgan discussed their “SNL” auditions, with each describing the other as an inspiration, and they teased an “SNL” skit featuring a Dominican father and son for a future episode.
Tracy Morgan Marcello Hernández Actors on Actors Variety CNN SNL backlash teachers internet reaction Marcello Hernandez clip Knicks celebration comedy