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(Added part of the bio, added photos, fixed broken links)
(Fixed a few grammatical errors, changed a bit of phrasing in the "death" section to be a bit less harsh (expired to passed away, corpse to body), added Norm Macdonald to group at the beginning (referencing the "Bad Boys" of SNL), added photos.)
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'''Christopher Crosby''' "'''Chris'''" '''Farley''' (February 15, 1964 – December 18, 1997) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice artist, and comedian who was a cast member of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' from 1990 to 1995.
 
'''Christopher Crosby''' "'''Chris'''" '''Farley''' (February 15, 1964 – December 18, 1997) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice artist, and comedian who was a cast member of ''[[Saturday Night Live]]'' from 1990 to 1995.
   
On ''Saturday Night Live'', Farley frequently collaborated with his fellow cast members [[David Spade]] , [[Adam Sandler]], [[Chris Rock]], and [[Rob Schneider]], among others. This group came to be known as the "[[Bad Boys of SNL]]." Popular characters performed by Farley included an exaggerated version of himself on "The Chris Farley Show," a sketch involving a talk show in which Farley quite often "interviewed" the guest, got very nervous and asked simple-minded or irrelevant questions, such as what their favorite rock band was; [[Matt Foley]], an over-the-top, thrice-divorced motivational speaker who constantly reminded other characters that he "lived in a van down by the river;" Todd O'Connor of [[Bill Swerski's Superfans]], a group of stereotypical Chicagoans who practically worshipped [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Ditka Mike Ditka] and constantly shouted "da Bears!;" a Chippendale's dancer, in an infamous sketch that paired him with guest host Patrick Swayze; one of the "[[Gap Girls]] ," who hung out together at a local mall; a stereotypical lunch lady, to the theme of ''Lunchlady Land'' performed by [[Adam Sandler]]; and Bennett Brauer, a [[Weekend Update]] commentator who often divulged his personal and hygienic problems through air quotes.
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On ''Saturday Night Live'', Farley frequently collaborated with his fellow cast members [[David Spade]] , [[Adam Sandler]], [[Chris Rock]], and [[Rob Schneider]], among others. This group, along with [[Norm Macdonald]], came to be known as the "[[Bad Boys of SNL]]." Popular characters performed by Farley included an exaggerated version of himself on "The Chris Farley Show," a sketch involving a talk show in which Farley quite often "interviewed" the guest, got very nervous and asked simple-minded or irrelevant questions, such as what their favorite rock band was; [[Matt Foley]], an over-the-top, thrice-divorced motivational speaker who constantly reminded other characters that he "lived in a van down by the river;" Todd O'Connor of [[Bill Swerski's Superfans]], a group of stereotypical Chicagoans who practically worshipped [http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mike_Ditka Mike Ditka] and constantly shouted "da Bears!;" a Chippendale's dancer, in an infamous sketch that paired him with guest host Patrick Swayze; one of the "[[Gap Girls]] ," who hung out together at a local mall; a stereotypical lunch lady, to the theme of ''Lunchlady Land'' performed by [[Adam Sandler]]; and Bennett Brauer, a [[Weekend Update]] commentator who often divulged his personal and hygienic problems through air quotes.
   
Farley also performed impersonations of Tom Arnold (who gave Farley's eulogy at his private funeral), Andrew Giuliani, Jerry Garcia, Meat Loaf, Norman Schwarzkopf, Dom DeLuise, Roger Ebert, Carnie Wilson, [[Newt Gingrich]], Mindy Cohn, Mama Cass, Hank Williams, Jr., and [[Rush Limbaugh]] were among the celebrities and real-life figures he impersonated.
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Farley also performed impressions of many real-life celebrities, including Tom Arnold (who eulogized Farley at the public memorial), Andrew Giuliani, Jerry Garcia, Meat Loaf, Norman Schwarzkopf, Dom DeLuise, Roger Ebert, Carnie Wilson, [[Newt Gingrich]], Mindy Cohn, Mama Cass, Hank Williams, Jr., and [[Rush Limbaugh]].
   
During his five years on SNL, Chris developed a very close friendship with castmate [[David Spade]]. The two would go on to star together in ''Tommy Boy'' (1995) and ''Black Sheep'' (1996). They were inseperable for several years, joking that they were "like a married couple." When David didn't attend Chris's funeral, many speculated there had been some fight. David later said that it was too emotional for him and that he couldn't handle it at the time.
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During his five years on SNL, Chris developed a very close relationship with castmate [[David Spade]]. The two would go on to star together in ''Tommy Boy'' (1995) and ''Black Sheep'' (1996). They were inseperable for several years, joking that they were "like a married couple." When David didn't attend Chris's funeral, many speculated there had been a fight. David later said that it was too emotional for him and that he couldn't handle it at the time.
   
 
Farley also hosted SNL once, just two months before his death, on October 25, 1997. The episode was a disaster. He'd blown out his voice in dress, so he was extremely hoarse for the live show, and it was obvious that his health was declining dramatically. The cold open, in which he, [[Tim Meadows]], and [[Chevy Chase]] try to convince [[Lorne Michaels]] that he was in good enough shape and was sober enough to host, was exactly the opposite of what was happening, and is cut in reruns along with the monologue. 
 
Farley also hosted SNL once, just two months before his death, on October 25, 1997. The episode was a disaster. He'd blown out his voice in dress, so he was extremely hoarse for the live show, and it was obvious that his health was declining dramatically. The cold open, in which he, [[Tim Meadows]], and [[Chevy Chase]] try to convince [[Lorne Michaels]] that he was in good enough shape and was sober enough to host, was exactly the opposite of what was happening, and is cut in reruns along with the monologue. 
   
 
==Death==
 
==Death==
On December 18, 1997, Farley was found dead by his younger brother John in his apartment in the John Hancock Center in Chicago. An autopsy concluded that Chris Farley expired hours before the corpse was identified by his brother, presumably the early morning of December 18th, and the cause of death was ruled an overdose of morphine and cocaine (known in slang as a "speedball") which had parylzed his cardiovascular muscles. Farley's poor health was a likely stimulant that acted in tandem with the speedball, as advanced atherosclerosis was cited as a "significant contributing factor." Farley's death is often compared to that of his SNL idol [[John Belushi]], who also died at age 33 of an accidental drug overdose consisting of cocaine and heroin, and who had been an inspiration for Chris Farley to begin his comic career. 
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On December 18, 1997, Farley was found dead by his younger brother John in his apartment in the John Hancock Center in Chicago. An autopsy concluded that Chris Farley passed away hours before his body was identified by his brother, presumably the early morning of December 18th, and the cause of death was ruled an overdose of morphine and cocaine (known in slang as a "speedball") which had parylzed his cardiovascular muscles. Farley's poor health was a likely stimulant that acted in tandem with the speedball, as advanced atherosclerosis was cited as a "significant contributing factor." Farley's death is often compared to that of his SNL idol [[John Belushi]], who also died at age 33 of an accidental drug overdose consisting of cocaine and heroin, and who had been an inspiration for Chris Farley to begin his comic career. 
   
Two memorials were held for Farley, one a small, private wake under heavy security (to ensure privacy) attended by the Farley family and Chris' schoolfriends in his birthplace of Madison, Wisconsin. The second funeral was done in California and was attended by over five hundred people, to include many of Chris Farley's co-stars and fellow comics such as Adam Sandler, Tim Meadows and Phil Hartman (who would have his own funeral several months later). Tom Arnold, whom Chris Farley had impersonated on SNL, gave the eulogy at the funeral. The only one of the [[Bad Boys of SNL|Bad Boys]] who declined to attend was Farley's movie sidekick [[David Spade]], who admitted it was too difficult for "me to be in the same room where Chris was in a casket". The films ''Dirty Work ''and ''Almost Heroes, ''which were released posthumously, were dedicated to Chris Farley who had done small parts in them.
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Two memorials were held for Farley, one a small, private wake under heavy security (to ensure privacy) attended by the Farley family and Chris' schoolfriends in his birthplace of Madison, Wisconsin. The second funeral was done in California and was attended by over five hundred people, to include many of Chris Farley's co-stars and fellow comics such as Adam Sandler, Tim Meadows and Phil Hartman (who would have his own funeral several months later). Tom Arnold, whom Chris Farley had impersonated on SNL, gave the eulogy at the funeral. The only one of the [[Bad Boys of SNL|Bad Boys]] who declined to attend was Farley's movie sidekick and best friend [[David Spade]], who admitted it was too difficult for "me to be in the same room where Chris was in a box". The films ''Dirty Work ''and ''Almost Heroes, ''which were released shortly after his death, were dedicated to Chris Farley, who had acted in both of them.
   
 
Prior to Farley's death, he had auditioned and recorded some lines for the role of Shrek, a role which eventually went to his SNL costar [[Mike Myers]], who used a variant of his "All Things Scottish" character.
 
Prior to Farley's death, he had auditioned and recorded some lines for the role of Shrek, a role which eventually went to his SNL costar [[Mike Myers]], who used a variant of his "All Things Scottish" character.
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i may not be the norm.png|As Update correspondent Bennett Brauer
 
i may not be the norm.png|As Update correspondent Bennett Brauer
 
aaaaaaaand i'm on the floor.jpg|With David Spade on the set of a dress rehearsal version of Danté
 
aaaaaaaand i'm on the floor.jpg|With David Spade on the set of a dress rehearsal version of Danté
  +
Richard and Tommy.gif|Chris and David Spade in Tommy Boy (1995)
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BUT DANTE.png|Chris and David Spade in the Danté sketch
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Chippendales dance gif.gif|Chris dancing as Barney in the Chippendales sketch
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Da bears heart attack.gif|"Just havin' anudder hart atteack" as Todd O'Connor of Da Superfans
  +
do i have this yet.gif|In the "Hosting Alone" cold open
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grooosssss.jpg|With David Spade and Adam Sandler as the Gap Girls
  +
hear that hank.png|With Adam Sandler as Hank and Beverly Gelfand in the Zagat's sketch
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damn it agh i'm so stupid.gif|With Jeff Daniels in the Chris Farley Show sketch
 
</gallery>
 
</gallery>
 
[[Category:Cast]]
 
[[Category:Cast]]

Revision as of 04:15, 26 January 2015

Christopher Crosby "Chris" Farley (February 15, 1964 – December 18, 1997) was an American stand-up comedian, actor, voice artist, and comedian who was a cast member of Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1995.

On Saturday Night Live, Farley frequently collaborated with his fellow cast members David SpadeAdam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Rob Schneider, among others. This group, along with Norm Macdonald, came to be known as the "Bad Boys of SNL." Popular characters performed by Farley included an exaggerated version of himself on "The Chris Farley Show," a sketch involving a talk show in which Farley quite often "interviewed" the guest, got very nervous and asked simple-minded or irrelevant questions, such as what their favorite rock band was; Matt Foley, an over-the-top, thrice-divorced motivational speaker who constantly reminded other characters that he "lived in a van down by the river;" Todd O'Connor of Bill Swerski's Superfans, a group of stereotypical Chicagoans who practically worshipped Mike Ditka and constantly shouted "da Bears!;" a Chippendale's dancer, in an infamous sketch that paired him with guest host Patrick Swayze; one of the "Gap Girls ," who hung out together at a local mall; a stereotypical lunch lady, to the theme of Lunchlady Land performed by Adam Sandler; and Bennett Brauer, a Weekend Update commentator who often divulged his personal and hygienic problems through air quotes.

Farley also performed impressions of many real-life celebrities, including Tom Arnold (who eulogized Farley at the public memorial), Andrew Giuliani, Jerry Garcia, Meat Loaf, Norman Schwarzkopf, Dom DeLuise, Roger Ebert, Carnie Wilson, Newt Gingrich, Mindy Cohn, Mama Cass, Hank Williams, Jr., and Rush Limbaugh.

During his five years on SNL, Chris developed a very close relationship with castmate David Spade. The two would go on to star together in Tommy Boy (1995) and Black Sheep (1996). They were inseperable for several years, joking that they were "like a married couple." When David didn't attend Chris's funeral, many speculated there had been a fight. David later said that it was too emotional for him and that he couldn't handle it at the time.

Farley also hosted SNL once, just two months before his death, on October 25, 1997. The episode was a disaster. He'd blown out his voice in dress, so he was extremely hoarse for the live show, and it was obvious that his health was declining dramatically. The cold open, in which he, Tim Meadows, and Chevy Chase try to convince Lorne Michaels that he was in good enough shape and was sober enough to host, was exactly the opposite of what was happening, and is cut in reruns along with the monologue. 

Death

On December 18, 1997, Farley was found dead by his younger brother John in his apartment in the John Hancock Center in Chicago. An autopsy concluded that Chris Farley passed away hours before his body was identified by his brother, presumably the early morning of December 18th, and the cause of death was ruled an overdose of morphine and cocaine (known in slang as a "speedball") which had parylzed his cardiovascular muscles. Farley's poor health was a likely stimulant that acted in tandem with the speedball, as advanced atherosclerosis was cited as a "significant contributing factor." Farley's death is often compared to that of his SNL idol John Belushi, who also died at age 33 of an accidental drug overdose consisting of cocaine and heroin, and who had been an inspiration for Chris Farley to begin his comic career. 

Two memorials were held for Farley, one a small, private wake under heavy security (to ensure privacy) attended by the Farley family and Chris' schoolfriends in his birthplace of Madison, Wisconsin. The second funeral was done in California and was attended by over five hundred people, to include many of Chris Farley's co-stars and fellow comics such as Adam Sandler, Tim Meadows and Phil Hartman (who would have his own funeral several months later). Tom Arnold, whom Chris Farley had impersonated on SNL, gave the eulogy at the funeral. The only one of the Bad Boys who declined to attend was Farley's movie sidekick and best friend David Spade, who admitted it was too difficult for "me to be in the same room where Chris was in a box". The films Dirty Work and Almost Heroes, which were released shortly after his death, were dedicated to Chris Farley, who had acted in both of them.

Prior to Farley's death, he had auditioned and recorded some lines for the role of Shrek, a role which eventually went to his SNL costar Mike Myers, who used a variant of his "All Things Scottish" character.

Farley was posthumously awarded the 2,289th star of the Hollywood Walk of Fame on August 26, 2005, which is located at 6366 Hollywood Blvd., in front of iO West. The ceremony was notably attended by his family, David Spade, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock.

Characters / Impressions

Characters

  • B Fats
  • Bennett Brauer
  • Beverly Gelfand
  • Big Fat Bushy Beard Man
  • Cindy
  • Drinkin' Buddy
  • Hank Doodle
  • Hub's Gyros Employee

Impressions

  • John Madden
  • Lori Davis
  • Mama Cass
  • Meat Loaf
  • Mindy Cohn
  • Newt Gingrich
  • Norman Schwarzkopf
  • Rob Reiner
  • Roger Ebert
  • Rush Limbaugh
  • Shawn Eckhardt
  • Simon Le Bon
  • Tom Arnold

SNL Career

  • 1990-1991: Member of middle cast group
  • 1991-1995: Repertory Player
  • February 10, 1996: Cameo
  • October 25, 1997: Host

Gallery