Remembering Chris Farley:
Fat guy in a little Coat
A Life Full of Laughter, A Legacy That Lives On
Chris Farley captivated audiences with his unforgettable performances, from Saturday Night Live to iconic films like Tommy Boy. A man of boundless energy and a heart full of humor, Farley’s legacy continues to inspire and entertain
from early days to stardom
1964
Born in Madison
Christopher Crosby Farley was born on February 15, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin, into a family with four siblings. Farley’s comedic instincts were shaped early by his family dynamic and his admiration for comedic legends like John Belushi, who he would later emulate on Saturday Night Live
1990
SNL Breakthrough
After studying communications and theater at Marquette University and performing in Second City in Chicago, Farley joined the cast of Saturday Night Live in 1990, He quickly becoming a standout with his high-energy physical comedy and memorable characters like motivational speaker Matt Foley.
1995
Iconic Film Roles
Chris Farley's larger-than-life charisma reached new heights in 1995 with the release of Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. co-star David Spade,Tommy Boy earned $32.7 million at the box office and became an enduring cult classic celebrated for its heartfelt humor and Farley's unforgettable performance.
1997
Legacy Lives On
Chris Farley tragically passed away on December 18, 1997, at the age of 33, due to an accidental overdose compounded by atherosclerosis. Despite his struggles with addiction, Farley was known for his kindness, frequently volunteering at homeless shelters and helping those in need. His warmth, generosity, and larger-than-life humor continue to bring joy to fans worldwide
"People need a time to laugh. It's up to us to bonk ourselves on the head and slip on a banana peel so the average guy can say, 'I may be bad, honey, but I'm not as much of an idiot as that guy on the screen."
FARLEY FILMS
Early Roles
Feature one
Early Roles (1992-1995)
Chris Farley’s charisma shone in his early roles, whether as eccentric side characters in Wayne’s World and Coneheads or as the memorable school bus driver in Billy Madison. These performances hinted at the star he was destined to become.
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Tommy Boy
Feature two
Tommy Boy (1995)
Farley delivered his career-defining performance as Tommy Callahan, the lovable goof who embarks on a heartfelt journey to save his family business. Tommy Boy became a cult classic, cementing Farley’s status as a leading comedic actor.
Black Sheep
Feature three
Black Sheep (1996)
Reuniting with David Spade, Farley played the well-meaning yet accident-prone Mike Donnelly. With slapstick humor and heartfelt moments, Black Sheep showcased the duo’s comedic chemistry.
Last Roles
Feature four
Almost Heroes & Beverly Hills Ninja (1997-1998)
Chris Farley showcased his comedic brilliance as Haru, an inept ninja in Beverly Hills Ninja, and as Bartholomew Hunt in Almost Heroes, a historical parody of the Lewis and Clark expedition.
Farley Fun Facts
Was originally cast as the title role in Shrek
Played football in high school and rugby during college
Was known for stopping and showing kindness to the homeless
"Matt Foley" was named after Farley's priest, a man who dedicated much of his time working in the soup kitchen
His father owned Scotch, an oil company
David Spade
"Chris was one of the sweetest, most generous people you could ever meet. He always wanted to make people laugh and make them happy. He had a true heart of gold."
Adam Sandlar
"He had a way of making everyone feel like they were the most important person in the room. That’s a rare gift."
Chris Rock
"Chris Farley was one of the funniest, purest people I’ve ever known. But he was also a guy who had such a vulnerability to him, which made him even more lovable. He could make you laugh until you cried, and then the next moment, he’d make you cry in a completely different way."
Phil Hartman
"Chris was the kind of guy who would give you the shirt off his back. He had such a big heart, and he would do anything to make someone else happy."
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