Tracy Morgan criticised over comments about teachers and minimum wage

Tracy Morgan has come under criticism after making controversial comments about teachers during a conversation with Saturday Night Live cast member Marcello Hernández for Variety and CNN’s Actors on Actors series.

The discussion, published on June 10, 2026, covered a wide range of topics including Morgan’s early career, his experiences on Saturday Night Live, family life and advice for younger comedians. During one exchange, Hernández recalled being labelled mischievous at school because he talked too much.

Morgan responded by telling the younger comedian that people could not suppress the voice God had given him. Hernández joked that he was now getting paid for his mischief, prompting Morgan to add that his former teachers were “still making minimum wage”.

When Hernández replied that teachers were not paid enough, Morgan continued with remarks that quickly attracted attention online.

“I can’t stand teachers. You know why? Because they have a ceiling. They have a limit. That’s all they ever going to be. I teach my kids: Sky’s the limit,” Morgan said during the interview.

Hernández appeared uncomfortable with the subject and attempted to steer the conversation elsewhere. The pair then moved on to discussing Saturday Night Live, Eddie Murphy and the challenges of building a comedy career.

The comments soon spread across social media, where many users criticised Morgan’s characterisation of teachers and argued that educators play a vital role in society. Others pointed out that teachers often work long hours and can face difficult conditions while helping students develop academically and personally.

Morgan, who stars in the upcoming NBC comedy The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, has not publicly addressed the reaction to his remarks at the time of writing.

The actor and comedian is best known for his years on Saturday Night Live and for portraying Tracy Jordan on 30 Rock. In the interview, he also reflected on his near-fatal 2014 road accident, his friendship with Eddie Murphy and the guidance he received from longtime Saturday Night Live producer Lorne Michaels.