"Basically, I only play one character; I just play him at different volumes" Chris Farley mini-bio: Christopher Crosby Farley, who was born on February 15, 1964, grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. He studied theatre and communications on Marquette University. After finishing University Chris was in the cast of the Second City Theatre, where he was discovered by the producer of the great comedy-show "Saturday Night Live" (1975), Lorne Michaels. Chris worked on "Saturday Night Live" (1975) for five years during which he appeared in movies like Wayne's World (1992), Coneheads (1993), Billy Madison (1995) and finally Tommy Boy (1995), with his comic partner and SNL cast member David Spade. The duo later made one more movie called Black Sheep (1996). From that time on, Chris was one of the big comedy stars, and his fame was growing and growing.
After some more time, he made another "lone" movie, Beverly Hills Ninja (1997), which featured former SNL member Chris Rock. Farley was made even more famous, but with his growing fame, his problems grew bigger as well; he didn't want to be the "fat guy who falls down" any longer. Chris had several other problems, too, with alcohol and drug dependency. On December 17th, 1997, he died from a heroin (opiate) and cocaine overdose in his apartment in Chicago, where his body was found by his brother John the next day. Chris' weigh of 296 pounds was a contributing factor to his death, but according to his autopsy the alcohol, marijuana and Prozac that was also found in his body, were not. Less than two months prior to Farley's death, he had appeared alongside Chevy Chase on what would be Farley's only SNL show as host. Not unlike his idol John Belushi, he was credited for one more appearance after having left SNL and died at age 33. His death cause was also the same. In the year after Chris' departing, the movie Almost Heroes (1998), where he plays the leading role alongside Matthew Perry was released. He also makes cameo appearances in Dirty Work (1998).
Incredible physicality despite his girth.
Innovator of "anti-slapstick" comedy style; ie. man walks into doorframe, curses and screams in pain for long period of time.
Interred at Resurrection Cemetery, Madison, Wisconsin, USA.
Grew up in Madison, Wisconsin. Parents: Tom and Mary Anne Farley. Brother of John Farley and Kevin P. Farley.
Posed as Newt Gingrich on Capitol Hill in April 1995 to help the House Republican leader celebrate his first 100 days.
Died from opiate and cocaine intoxication.
Graduated from Marquette University with a degree in communications. [1986]
Grew up in Madison, Wisconsin.
Before his death, Farley maintained that, as a dramatic role, he wished to star in a film biography of silent comedian 'Roscoe 'Fatty' Arbuckle' .
Chris was an alumnus of Chicago's ImprovOlympic improvisation troupe. Fellow members include the Jon Favreau, Ian Gomez, Pat Finn, Tim Meadows, Rachel Dratch, Vince Vaughn, Mike Myers, Ossie Beck, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Adam McKay.
David Spade introduced a tribute to him on Saturday Night Live: 25th Anniversary (1999) (TV).
Had a year left on his contract with "Saturday Night Live" (1975) but was let go in the process of the show's rapid cast change during 1995.
In all his film vehicles, his brother Kevin P. Farley was used as an extra.
Credited for performing many of his own stunts.
Was originally cast as Shrek in Shrek (2001) and even recorded the dialogue. However, after his death, the role was given to fellow "Saturday Night Live" (1975) performer, Mike Myers.
He was said to have idolized John Belushi. His life story bears a striking similarity to that of Belushi: both Farley and Belushi were regulars at The Second City in Chicago, both then went on to become cast members on "Saturday Night Live" (1975) and then later do feature films, both had obesity problems, both had a reputation for having an out-of-control lifestyle, and both died from drug overdoses at the age of thirty-three.
Was the first choice for Jim Carrey's role in The Cable Guy (1996), but scheduling conflicts forced him to miss out on doing the film.
At the time of his death, he lived in the John Hancock building in Chicago. His next door neighbor was TV and radio host Jerry Springer.
Farley was 5 feet, 8 inches tall and weighed 296 pounds at the time of his death, the medical examiner said.
His next door neighbor in the John Hancock Building was TV and radio host Jerry Springer.
In August, 2005, he was honored with a star on Hollywood's Walk of Fame. The star is located in front of the improv Olympic West theater, where he used to perform.
He played football in high school.
Was good friends with Chris Rock. Was best friends with David Spade.
Was planning to do a third movie with David Spade at the time of his death.
He is an Alumni from the Famous Improv Olympic along with actors Vince Vaughn, 'Mike Myers' , Ossie Beck, Tina Fey, Amy Poehler and Adam McKay.
Was good friends with Chris Rock.
He idolized actor John Belushi, and died the same way as Belushi did. He also died at the exact same age as Belushi.
18 December 1997, Chicago, Illinois, USA. (accidental opiate/cocaine intoxication and coronary atherosclerosis).
