Celebrity News June 01, 2015
Tracy Morgan’s First Interview Since Crash: ‘The Pain is Always Going to Be There’
Comedian Tracy Morgan opened up to “Today” host Matt Lauer in his first interview since the deadly car crash in June 2014 that nearly claimed his life, and killed his late friend and mentor, comic James McNair. Morgan told Lauer, "I can't believe I'm here. I can't believe I'm in front of you."
Overcome with emotion, the 46-year-old comedian continued, "I can't believe I'm just here, and just seeing the tragedy that happened. It touches me."
The “30 Rock” star spoke to Lauer less than a week after reaching an undisclosed settlement with Walmart over the crash that also injured two others, and left Morgan with severe brain trauma, a broken leg and broken ribs after a Walmart truck hit his limo last year on the New Jersey Turnpike.
“The case is settled, but the pain is always going to be there for Jimmy Mac," Morgan said to Lauer. “Bones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal.”
Morgan held on to a cane during the interview, and said he doesn't “remember the accident,” only waking up and seeing the faces of his family.
"There are times where I have my good days and my bad days, where I forget things," he said. "There are times where I get the headaches, and the nose bleeds. I won't even let my lady know, because I don't want her to be worried about it."
He thanked the medical staff, and acknowledged one nurse in particular, Nurse Jackie. Morgan began to cry, “When I first came out the coma, I was a mess. I would curse out every day. I would throw things at her, and the only thing she would say to me is, 'Everything is gonna be alright.'”
Morgan also thanked his friends and family, including "30 Rock" co-star Tina Fey who called to check in on him.
What's next for Morgan? “My goal is just to heal and get better, because I'm not 100 percent yet,” he said. “I'm not, and when I'm there, you'll know."
Morgan added to Lauer. "I'll get back to making you laugh. I promise you.”
