Frank and funny Tracy Morgan plays Luther Burbank Center in Santa Rosa

Comedian and actor Tracy Morgan's life suddenly veered from comedy to tragedy in the early morning hours of June 7, 2014, on the New Jersey turnpike, when the minibus he was riding in was struck by a tractor-trailer, causing a six-vehicle, chain-reaction crash.

But now he's back, performing again in a live tour he has aptly titled “Picking Up the Pieces,” scheduled for a Saturday stop at Santa Rosa's Luther Burbank Center.

In the accident, Morgan suffered a traumatic brain injury and spent eight days in a coma. When he woke up, he was blind for six days. He had to learn to talk again. His left femur was shattered, his ribs were cracked and facial bones were broken.

His long recovery took a big step forward in June last year, when he was a guest on the “Today” show, his first public appearance since the crash.

Now 47, he has been touring the country since February and will be on the road until mid-December. Next up is his role as comic Redd Foxx in the movie “Richard Pryor: Is It Something I Said?” with Mike Epps in the title role. And Morgan recently finished filming “Fist Fight” with Ice Cube and Charlie Day, due out next year.

The former cast member of “Saturday Night Live” and “30 Rock” talked about his accident, his tour and his life in a recent telephone interview from his home in New Jersey.

Q: You call this tour “Picking Up the Pieces.” What does that mean to you?

After what I've been through with the accident, it's all about putting my life back together, taking my life back. It's been a struggle. So I'm picking up the pieces of the puzzle. My life was shattered. This tour is one of the pieces of the puzzle.

Q: Do you see it as comeback or a fresh start?

I never went nowhere, so it ain't a comeback. It's a fresh start.

Q: Have your humor and your style changed on this tour?

You know, every day my style is changing, because every day is different. I don't have a particular style. I just be funny. Ain't got no style.

Q: Do you talk about the accident onstage?

Yeah, at times I take you through a journey. Sure, it was a tragedy in my life, but I turn tragedy into comedy. That's where you get it from. If I don't talk about it, I'll cry about it. I'd rather laugh about it. Cryin' don't help. It's time for us to move forward.

Q: You've had times when people have taken offense at things you've said. Is that an inevitable part of being a comedian?

If you don't offend nobody, you're probably not that funny. The truth is the truth, all around the world. Some people can't handle it. They want things sugar-coated, but I've never been like that.

Q: Is there any subject you wouldn't tackle?

No, as long as it's the truth. I do stay away from certain subjects, but I like to tell the truth.

I did a gay joke once and that offended folks, so I let other comedians tackle those things. I get onstage to make my audience laugh. I want to be known for comedy, not controversy. I'm not about that. I do funny.

Q: Are you tempted to do political jokes now?

No, because I'm not into politics. I'm from the streets, man. I'm from the projects.

Q: What subject matter are you most comfortable with?

I talk about my everyday life onstage. I don't gotta talk about all this other stuff going on. I've got enough going in my life that I could talk about me all day. I got hit by a truck, man. You don't think that's enough?

Q: Was it hard to get back on the road after what you went through?

Yeah, but it's just like falling off a bike. You get back on the bike. That's how it was. I have my friends and family, my support team and we roll.

Q: How are you traveling on this tour?

Private jet.

Q: Do see this as a big part of your career for a long time to come?

Yeah, where you been, man? I've been doing this thing 23 years. It's my career, not a hobby. Aside from my wife and my kids, this is my life. This is what I do. And I love to do it. It's a joy.

Q: How do you feel about playing Redd Foxx on the new movie about Richard Pryor?

I haven't played it yet. It's not in the can yet. But it's an honor to play an icon like Redd Foxx. If it wasn't for him, there would be no me. I just hope I can do him justice. That's all I want to do. I want to channel him. He's one of my comedic heroes.

Q: Do you plan to continue doing television and movie roles as well as stand-up comedy?

Yeah, they're just different muscles that I get an opportunity to stretch: acting, stand-up, TV.

Q: Do you have any other projects coming up?

No, I'm just getting back on my feet after two years since the accident. I'm just grateful that I'm here. I love my audience.

You can reach staff writer Dan Taylor at 707-521-5243 or dan.taylor@pressdemocrat.com. On Twitter @danarts.