From Prank King To Deputy Farr: 7 Shocking New Roles That Prove Lamorne Morris Is More Than Just 'New Girl's' Winston Bishop

Lamorne Morris, the actor eternally beloved for his role as the quirky, prank-loving police officer Winston Bishop on the Fox sitcom New Girl, has successfully navigated the challenging transition from a beloved sitcom star to a versatile, critically acclaimed dramatic and comedic leading man. As of late 2025, Morris's career is in a state of explosive growth, marked by a deliberate and impressive shift into darker, more complex roles that showcase a stunning range far beyond the loft's resident prankster. His recent high-profile performances and upcoming major projects prove he is one of Hollywood's most dynamic actors to watch, leaving his iconic character behind only in terms of genre.

The transition from a seven-season run as a fan-favorite character like Winston Bishop—a role that cemented his place in pop culture—is no small feat. However, Morris has masterfully used the foundation of his comedic timing to build an expansive, diverse filmography that includes prestige television, major motion pictures, and a thriving digital presence. His latest work has not only garnered critical praise but has also positioned him for a major future in both the Marvel universe and high-end dramatic series, making his current career trajectory a fascinating study in post-sitcom success.

Lamorne Morris: Biography and Professional Profile

Lamorne Morris’s journey from a stand-up comedian to a versatile actor is a testament to his dedication and range. The table below provides a concise look at the key details of his life and career.

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• Full Name: Lamorne Morris
• Date of Birth: August 14, 1983
• Place of Birth: Glen Ellyn, Illinois, U.S.
• Occupation: Actor, Comedian, Television Personality, Podcast Host
• Breakthrough Role: Winston Bishop in New Girl (2011–2018)
• Notable Education: Attended the College of DuPage and the Second City Training Center in Chicago.
• Early Career: Hosted the Cartoon Network game show BrainRush and was a host on BET's HotWyred.
• Recent Major Roles: Deputy Witt Farr in Fargo Season 5 (2023-2024), Keef Knight in Woke (2020-2022).
• Podcast Ventures: Host of The Lamorning After and co-host of the New Girl rewatch podcast, The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne.
• Filmography Highlights: Barbershop: The Next Cut (2016), Game Night (2018), Bloodshot (2020).

The Dramatic Pivot: From Winston's Pranks to Deputy Witt Farr

The most compelling evidence of Lamorne Morris’s evolution is his critically acclaimed performance as Deputy Witt Farr in the fifth season of the FX anthology series, Fargo. This role was a deliberate and stark departure from the beloved comedic chaos of Winston Bishop, proving his dramatic chops to a global audience.

A Quietly Courageous Performance in Fargo Season 5

In Fargo Season 5, Morris played Deputy Witt Farr, an earnest and well-intentioned police officer who finds himself entangled in a violent, complex web of kidnapping and murder in rural Minnesota. The role required a grounded, subdued intensity, a complete 180-degree turn from the effusive and wacky humor of his New Girl character.

Morris’s portrayal of Witt Farr was praised for its quiet courage and moral center, standing in contrast to the more eccentric characters typical of a Noah Hawley production. His ability to convey deep emotion and vulnerability with minimal dialogue showcased a new layer of his acting talent, solidifying his status as a serious dramatic actor. The character's journey was a highlight of the season, and the finale even included a subtle, heartfelt callback to his biggest sitcom role, delighting longtime fans while maintaining the show's dark tone.

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Woke and the Shift to Leading Man

Prior to Fargo, Morris took on the leading role of cartoonist Keef Knight in the Hulu series Woke, which ran for two seasons. The series, inspired by the life of cartoonist Keith Knight, was a satirical and thought-provoking exploration of identity, race, and social commentary. This was a crucial step in his career, allowing him to anchor a series and tackle a character with significant depth and social relevance, further distancing him from the shadow of the Fox sitcom.

Upcoming Projects and Digital Dominance: The Future is Marvel

Lamorne Morris's career momentum is not slowing down; in fact, his upcoming slate of projects signals a major leap into high-profile, tentpole productions and a continued presence in the digital space.

Joining the Marvel Universe in Spider-Noir

One of the most anticipated announcements is Morris's casting in the upcoming live-action series Spider-Noir, set to premiere in 2026. This Amazon Prime Video series, starring Nicolas Cage, is a major career milestone, bringing Morris into the world of Marvel. While character details are often kept under wraps, joining a star-studded cast in a high-budget superhero property confirms his status as a sought-after talent in Hollywood.

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Capturing Comedy History in Saturday Night

Morris is also set to appear in the highly anticipated biopic Saturday Night, which chronicles the chaotic opening night of Saturday Night Live in 1975. In a role that pays tribute to comedy history, Morris will portray the legendary Garrett Morris, SNL's first Black cast member. This role is a significant nod to his roots in comedy and stand-up, allowing him to honor a comedic pioneer while working alongside a star-studded ensemble cast.

The Thriving World of Podcasts and Rewatches

Beyond acting, Morris has built a significant media presence through his successful podcasts, which have become a key part of his personal brand and topical authority.

• The Lamorning After: This is Morris’s main comedy podcast, where he and co-host Kyle Shevrin discuss life, relationships, and current events with a rotating cast of celebrity guests. It offers a raw, unscripted look at his comedic mind.
• The Mess Around with Hannah and Lamorne: Fans of New Girl, the 'Winston Bishop' faithful, and those who love the dynamic between Cece and Winston have flocked to this rewatch podcast. Co-hosted with his former co-star Hannah Simone (Cece), the show features the two friends rewatching and discussing episodes of New Girl, offering behind-the-scenes secrets and hilarious commentary that satisfies the ongoing demand for New Girl nostalgia.

Recent Television and Film Appearances

Morris has maintained a steady stream of film and television appearances that keep him in the public eye. In 2023 and 2024, he appeared in the second season of the Netflix comedy series Unstable, starring Rob Lowe and John Owen Lowe. He also starred in the 2024 film Night Shift, a horror-comedy that further demonstrates his willingness to genre-hop and take on challenging, diverse projects.

The Legacy of Winston Bishop and the Future of Lamorne Morris

While Lamorne Morris is actively building a career that transcends the loft apartment of New Girl, the legacy of Winston Bishop remains a powerful part of his brand. The character, famous for his increasingly bizarre pranks, his unwavering love for his cat Ferguson, and his endearing relationship with Cece, is a cultural touchstone.

Morris has openly expressed support for a potential New Girl reboot or spinoff, acknowledging that the show's success was rooted in its ensemble chemistry. However, his own career moves—from the dramatic intensity of Deputy Witt Farr to the upcoming superhero world of Spider-Noir and his work as a television personality and podcast host—clearly indicate an artist focused on expansion and evolution.

His impressive body of recent work, particularly his dramatic turn in Fargo Season 5, serves as a powerful statement: Lamorne Morris is not just the actor who played Winston Bishop; he is a leading man and a versatile talent who is just beginning to explore the full extent of his acting power. Fans should keep a close eye on his upcoming projects, as his most exciting work is clearly yet to come.