Tracy Morgan's emotional reaction to 'Dark Side of Comedy' episode on his struggles

Tracy Morgan desires nothing more than to speak truthfully.

At age 57, the comedian stars in a fresh NBC comedy created by Tina Fey and 30 Rock's Robert Carlock. 

The show titled The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins emphasises spreading laughter and good energy, over a decade after a major car crash altered his life.

"When you've been to the brink, you start to really value life. I experienced 10 days on the edge — in a coma," Morgan shares with PEOPLE, holding back emotions. "Now I’m part of a great show with fantastic people."

"When I’m being humorous, if you observe closely, when I’m being comical and all those moments, I always pause to reflect on that moment — June 14th," he shares. "Surviving a 10-day coma. Being here now means the Lord has work for me to do. I must care for my loved ones and my community."

The tragic accident that took the life of friend and mentor James McNair and left Morgan critically injured was featured in a 2023 episode of Vice's Dark Side of Comedy. 

The episode highlighted how the traumatic event transformed his life and prompted him to reveal details of his childhood.

"I shed tears throughout, it was so factual," he remarks regarding the episode. "That's something many don't want."

Reflecting on the episode led him to introspection, he shares. "It’s akin to walking through your life's journey, realising how all moments — the bad, the good, and the ugly — came to be. You must confront them. And you must accept them."

Morgan insists that any documentary concerning his life should remain as genuine and not avoid harsh realities.

"I've endured getting struck by a truck, so I'd understand," he states. "I want every detail told."

The 2014 accident has deeply changed the comedian, as observed by his co-stars. Fey, 55, expressed to Entertainment Weekly that Morgan exudes a true appreciation for being alive, and that energy is infectious.

"He's delighted to have the opportunity to work and create humor, and he cherishes everyone around him," Fey noted, clearly thrilled to be collaborating with him again on The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins.

"Spending time with Tracy during breaks, he’ll share a wild tale, and the next thing we know, we’re embracing, and he’s tearfully thankful for life," she said. “He’s an extraordinary person to be around, and I’ve truly missed him."

In the current NBC comedy, Morgan portrays a disgraced former football star, Reggie Dinkins, set on rebuilding his public persona. 

He enlists acclaimed filmmaker, Arthur Tobin (Daniel Radcliffe), yet "to regain his fans' admiration and earn his family’s respect, Reggie will need to face his past," the summary states.

Starring alongside Morgan and Radcliffe are Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Precious Way, and Jalyn Hall in the series.