On Monday, Tracy Morgan made his first public appearance since the multi-car crash last June that left the actor critically injured.
Appearing on the "Today" show with attorney Benedict Morelli, Morgan told Matt Lauer, "I can’t believe I’m here." The former "SNL" cast member held his cane in his right hand during the interview, telling Lauer that he's been down since the accident, but his friends and family have kept his spirits up. "The case is settled, but the pain is always going to be there," he said.
Last June, a Walmart truck slammed into Morgan's limo van, severely injuring the "30 Rock" star and two friends in the car, and killing one of Morgan's comedy writers, James "Jimmy Mack" McNair. Morgan sustained brain trauma, a broken leg and broken ribs in the accident. Before Monday, he had yet to make any public appearances or give any interviews.
During the interview, Morgan began to cry when Lauer asked him about the crash. The actor said he doesn't remember the accident, only waking up from a coma two weeks later and learning that McNair had died. "He was a loving man and he was a warm man," Morgan said while crying. "He was a good man. It’s just hard for me to see that he’s gone." Morgan said that once he arrived home from the hospital, he watched the accident and McNair's funeral on YouTube. "I had to know what happened to my friend, I had to pay my respects," he said. "That was my way."
Lauer asked the actor about what injures he actually suffered, since following the accident various reports claimed different things. Morgan mentioned the scars on his face, saying he has good days and bad days where he forgets things. Morgan added that he still suffers from headaches and nose bleeds.
"Bones heal, but the loss of my friend will never heal," Morgan said. "I'm happy that Walmart stepped up to the plate. They took full responsibility."
The actor said that he loves comedy and can't wait to get back to it, but right now he's focusing on recovery. "My goal is just to heal and get better because I'm not 100 percent yet," he said. "I'll get back to making you laugh, I promise you."
Morgan's former "30 Rock" co-stars, Tina Fey and Alec Baldwin, honored the actor at "SNL 40" in February. Morgan had been unable to attend.
Earlier this week, Morgan settled his lawsuit against with Walmart, the details of the which remain confidential.