By Sophia Herndon and Vanessa Lim

Actor and comedian Lamorne Morris visited the University of Maryland for the student programming board’s annual back-to-school Q&A Thursday, where he reflected on his career highlights, discussed his most recent projects and encouraged students to find their individuality as they start their careers. 

Morris found fame playing the comedic character Winston Bishop on Fox’s hit sitcom “New Girl,” which follows a group of friends living together in Los Angeles. For many students, their love for Winston and the show was the sole reason they got tickets for the Q&A.

“‘New Girl’ is one of my favorite shows. I’ve probably watched it four times,” said sophomore environmental science major Loralli Snyder. She and her friends arrived early and were first in line for the show. 

History and government and politics double major Claire Passmore joined Snyder at the event. Passmore said she hoped to hear Morris talk about the behind-the-scenes of working on “New Girl.”

During the Q&A, Morris reflected fondly on his time on the show and noted that he has maintained close friendships with the rest of the cast. Morris said rewatching it always takes him back to a younger time in his life, and called the opportunity to be on the show “a dream come true.”

“I keep that ‘New Girl’ energy in me with everything I do,” Morris said.

Morris said he enjoyed the silliness of the sitcom and the room he had to experiment with his character. He laughed when remembering how his improvised scenes became fan-favorite lines.

“Whenever you get a chance to go to work and just mess around, that’s a blessing,” he said. 

He discussed his transition from sitcoms to more serious roles in “Saturday Night,” “Spider-Noir” and “Fargo,” the last of which he received an Emmy Award for. Amazon Prime Video canceled “Spider-Noir” after just one season despite the show winning five Emmys and receiving 11 nominations. Morris expressed disappointment about the show’s short run.

While most fans showed up because of their love for “New Girl,” one student in the audience had a different motive. 

Throughout the Q&A, senior film major Sean Coffren made a point to tell Morris he was a fan of “Spider-Noir” and not “New Girl,” which became an ongoing joke throughout the show. An amused Morris even gave Coffren a handshake when he exited the grand ballroom.

“As someone who’s a Marvel fan, it was so exciting to finally talk to a live-action Marvel actor,” Coffren said. He expressed excitement when he found out another audience member captured a photo of their handshake.

Morris also reflected on his upbringing as a student making films on iMovie. He discussed the close connections he’s made with other actors throughout his career, motivated students to keep relationships with the people around them and encouraged them to keep their roommates as long as possible.

“The longer you can live with someone and save money, the better, unless your roommate is a drug dealer,” he joked.

Most of all, Morris motivated students to find their creativity and individuality as they finish school and start their careers. 

Early in his career, he drew inspiration heavily from actor and comedian Eddie Murphy. Morris said that it wasn’t until later seasons in “New Girl” that he decided to make bolder choices and find his distinct humor. He explained that it’s easy to compare yourself to others in the acting world, but encouraged students to “throw it all away” and “know yourself.”

“Your creativity is yours,” he said.

Morris emphasized the importance of becoming your own person instead of imitating someone else. In creative fields, he believes that authenticity is the most important asset.

“No one can do you like you,” he said.

Featured Image: Actor and comedian Lamorne Morris speaking at a Q&A on Sept. 24, 2026. Photo by Vanessa Lim.