Tracy Morgan in first interview since 2014 auto collision: 'I can't believe I'm here'

In his first interview since an auto collision left him in a coma in June 2014, actor and comedian Tracy Morgan discussed the various ways in which his life has changed over the past year. "I can't believe I'm here," he said as he sat down with Today's Matt Lauer.

Morgan spent much of the interview delivering a tearful tribute to his friend and comedy mentor, James "Jimmy Mac" McNair, who died in the collision. "He was a close friend of mine, a comrade in comedy. He was a warm man, he was a loving man. He was a good man. It's just hard for me to see he's gone. That's it." After he awoke from his coma, Morgan repeatedly watched video of the collision. "I had to know what happened to my friend. I had to know," said Morgan. And I had to pay my respects. And that's my way."

Morgan also revealed that the lingering effects of the collision — including headaches, nosebleeds, and forgetfulness — continue to make his life difficult. "I have my good days and my bad days," he said. But he also expressed a desire to get back on stage. "I love comedy and I can't wait to get back to her," he said. "But right now, my goal is only just to heal and get better. 'Cause I'm not 100 percent yet. And when I'm there, you'll know. I'll get back to making you laugh, I promise you."

Subscribe to The Week

Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.

SUBSCRIBE & SAVE

Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.

Sign up

Watch the whole interview below. Scott Meslow