Chris Farley facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Chris Farley
Farley in 1993
Born	Christopher Crosby Farley (1964-02-15)February 15, 1964 Madison, Wisconsin, U.S.
Died	December 18, 1997(1997-12-18) (aged 33) Chicago, Illinois, U.S.
Resting place	Resurrection Cemetery, Madison
Alma mater	Marquette University
Occupation	Comedian actor
Years active	1986–1997
Relatives	John Farley (brother) Kevin Farley (brother) Jim Farley (cousin)

Christopher Crosby Farley (February 15, 1964 – December 18, 1997) was a famous American comedian and actor. He was known for his energetic and loud comedy style. Chris Farley was a key member of the Second City Theatre in Chicago. Later, he became a popular cast member on the TV show Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1995.

After his time on Saturday Night Live, he starred in several movies. These included Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and Beverly Hills Ninja. Chris Farley passed away at the age of 33.

Early Life and Comedy Beginnings

Chris Farley was born on February 15, 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin. He grew up nearby in Maple Bluff. His father, Thomas John Farley Sr., owned an oil company. His mother, Mary Anne, was a homemaker. Chris had four siblings: Tom Jr., Kevin, John, and Barbara. His family was Irish and Catholic.

Chris went to parochial schools in Madison. He spent many summers at Red Arrow Camp in Wisconsin. In 1986, he graduated from Marquette University. He studied communications and theater there. At Marquette, he played rugby union and found his love for comedy.

After college, Chris worked with his father. He started learning improvisational comedy at the Ark Improv Theatre in Madison. Soon, he moved to Chicago. He performed at Improv Olympic and then joined Chicago's famous Second City Theatre. He started on the same day as Stephen Colbert. Chris was part of their touring group before joining the main stage in 1989.

Chris Farley's Comedy Style

Throughout his career, Chris Farley was famous for his physical comedy. He used his body and athleticism in his performances. This was a big part of his humor on Saturday Night Live. It also showed up in many of his movies.

His Time on Saturday Night Live

Chris Farley joined Saturday Night Live in early 1990. He became a cast member alongside Chris Rock. On SNL, Farley often worked with friends like Chris Rock, Adam Sandler, Tim Meadows, Rob Schneider, and David Spade. This group was sometimes called the "Bad Boys of SNL."

One of Farley's most famous characters was Matt Foley. Matt Foley was an energetic motivational speaker. He would often shout that he was "living in a van down by the river!" This character was created by Bob Odenkirk at Second City. The character's name came from a real-life friend of Farley's.

Other popular characters included Todd O'Connor from Bill Swerski's Superfans. This group of Chicagoans often yelled "da Bears!" He also played a Chippendales dancer in a famous sketch with Patrick Swayze. He was one of the "Gap Girls" who worked at a mall. Another character was a lunch lady, singing to Adam Sandler's "Lunchlady Land."

Farley also did funny impressions of many famous people. These included Tom Arnold, Jerry Garcia, and Rush Limbaugh. Off-screen, Chris was known for playing pranks at the Saturday Night Live offices. Adam Sandler and Farley would make funny prank calls late at night.

His Film Career

While still on SNL, Chris Farley appeared in comedy films. These included Wayne's World, Coneheads, and Airheads. He also had a small, uncredited role in Billy Madison. He even appeared in a music video for the Red Hot Chili Peppers song "Soul to Squeeze."

After leaving Saturday Night Live in 1995, Farley focused on movies. His first two big films were Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. In both, he starred with his friend and SNL colleague David Spade. These movies were successful and became very popular on home video.

These films made Farley a recognizable movie star. He then got the main role in Beverly Hills Ninja. This movie was number one at the box office on its first weekend. After his passing on December 18, 1997, his last two finished films were released. These were Almost Heroes and Dirty Work.

Unfinished Projects and Voice Roles

Chris Farley was originally chosen to be the voice of the main character in the movie Shrek. He recorded most of the dialogue for the character. However, he passed away before he could finish. The filmmakers later had his former SNL castmate Mike Myers re-record all of Shrek's lines. A short video of Farley's voice as Shrek was released years later.

Farley was also going to voice a character in the movie Dinosaur. He was set to play a young male Brachiosaurus named Sorbus. This character was very tall but afraid of heights. After his death, the character was changed to an elderly female Brachiosaurus named Baylene.

His Passing

On December 18, 1997, Chris Farley was found in his apartment in Chicago. He was 33 years old.

Funeral and Legacy

Farley's grave in 2010

A private funeral was held for Chris Farley on December 23, 1997. It took place in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin. Over 500 people attended, including many comedians and friends. Some of these included Dan Aykroyd, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Lorne Michaels. Chris Farley was buried in Resurrection Cemetery in Madison.

Many people have compared Chris Farley's career and early passing to his comedy hero, John Belushi. Belushi also passed away at the same age. In 2005, Chris Farley received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. His brother, Tom Jr., wrote a book about him called The Chris Farley Show.

In 2015, a TV documentary about his life called I Am Chris Farley was released. In 2018, Adam Sandler wrote and performed a touching song dedicated to Chris Farley. He performed it in his Netflix comedy special. Later, he sang the song live on Saturday Night Live.

Filmography

Film

Television

See also

In Spanish: Chris Farley para niños