09/03/2025
Christopher "Chris" Crosby Farley (1964–1997) was an American comedian and actor known for his loud, energetic, and physical comedic style. He rose to fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) and starred in hit comedy films before his untimely death from a drug overdose at age 33.
Early life and training
Born: Christopher Crosby Farley on February 15, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin.
Family: Grew up in a Catholic, Irish-American family with his parents, Thomas and Mary Anne, and four siblings.
Education: He attended parochial schools, graduated from Marquette University in 1986 with a degree in communications and theater, and discovered his love for comedy while playing rugby.
Early comedy: Farley began his career in improvisational comedy at the Ark Improv Theatre in Madison before moving to Chicago and joining the acclaimed Second City Theatre in 1989.
Saturday Night Live (1990–1995)
Farley was discovered by SNL producer Lorne Michaels and joined the show in 1990, alongside fellow newcomer Chris Rock. He was part of a close-knit group of castmates that also included Adam Sandler and David Spade.
Signature characters: Some of his most memorable characters include:
Matt Foley: An over-the-top motivational speaker who lives "in a van, down by the river!"
Todd O'Connor: A member of "Bill Swerski's Superfans," a group of Chicago sports fanatics.
The Chippendales Dancer: In a famous sketch where he auditions alongside guest host Patrick Swayze.
The Chris Farley Show: A talk show sketch where he nervously and awkwardly interviews celebrity guests.
Impersonations: He was also known for his impressions of celebrities and public figures like Tom Arnold, Jerry Garcia, and Rush Limbaugh.
Departure: Along with Adam Sandler, Farley was fired from SNL in 1995.
Film career
Following his departure from SNL, Farley starred in several successful comedy films.
Tommy Boy (1995): His breakout leading role came alongside his SNL partner David Spade. The film became a cult classic.
Black Sheep (1996): Reunited with Spade for this follow-up comedy.
Beverly Hills Ninja (1997): Farley took on the title role in this martial arts comedy.
Unfinished work: Before his death, he was cast as the voice of the title character in the animated film Shrek. Much of his dialogue was recorded, but after his death, the part was recast with Mike Myers. His final completed films, Almost Heroes and Dirty Work, were released posthumously in 1998.
Struggles with addiction and death
Farley's life was marked by ongoing struggles with obesity, alcohol, and substance abuse. He sought treatment numerous times but was unable to overcome his addictions. His death at 33 tragically mirrored that of his idol, comedian John Belushi.
Final days: In his final months, his health was visibly declining, which was evident during his emotional return to host SNL in October 1997.
Death: On December 18, 1997, Farley was found dead in his Chicago apartment by his younger brother, John. An autopsy determined the cause was a drug overdose of co***ne and morphine, with advanced heart disease as a contributing factor.
Legacy: Despite his short career, Farley's work left a lasting impact on comedy. His memory has been honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and by his friends, including Adam Sandler, who wrote and performed a song in his honor.
In his all-too-brief career, Chris Farley connected viscerally with audiences, creating hilarious characters that have stood the test of time. Sub...
