He wasn’t cracking jokes, but TV funnyman Tracy Morgan was all smiles Monday as he addressed the media for the first time since he was nearly killed last month in a devastating highway crash.
Morgan flashed a peace sign to photographers camped outside his Cresskill, NJ, home, and followed up with a broad grin before climbing into a car.
Moments earlier, Morgan was grimacing as he hobbled with a walker from his garage to the waiting journalists.
The comedian was noticeably thinner, and scars were visible along his right and left temples.
“I’m OK,” Morgan said after he got in the car and closed the door.
“I feel strong. Love you. Thank you very much. I appreciate it.”
A day earlier, Morgan had been spotted in a wheelchair.
His publicist, Lewis Kay, said Morgan will undergo an “aggressive outpatient program.”
The “30 Rock” funnyman was nearly killed when his limo van was rear-ended by a Walmart truck on June 7 on the New Jersey Turnpike. The wreck killed Morgan’s pal, fellow comedian James “Jimmy Mack” McNair.
Morgan, 45, suffered a broken leg and ribs in the crash, which occurred while he and several friends were returning from a comedy gig at a Delaware casino.
Officials said the Walmart driver, Kevin Roper, 35, of Jonesboro, Ga., was operating 20 miles above the speed limit, and had fallen asleep behind the wheel after being awake for more than 24 hours.
Roper has pleaded not guilty to charges of death by auto and assault by auto.
He has denied he fell asleep at the wheel, and a Twitter rant attributed to him said he is a scapegoat.
Morgan is suing Roper and Walmart, claiming the megastore’s negligence led to the deadly accident.
Morgan spent more than a month in a hospital and rehab facility.
He appeared happy to be home.
Several hours after he left, he returned, and a nurse helped him out of the car.
Morgan’s fiancée, Megan Wollover, got out of the car with the couple’s baby on her hip. She gave the driver a hug, and they all went inside.
Later in the day, two pizzas were delivered, followed by a gift basket of cookies.