The amazing American comic star Chris Farley’s can’t easily be forgotten. Despite his demise, the legacy of the comedian has continued to live in the hearts of his fans and loved ones. Chris Farley wasn’t just a comedian, Chris was also a prolific actor and voice actor; best known for his roles in films such as Beverly Hills Ninja, Tommy Boy, and Black Sheep.
Chris garnered wide popularity through his numerous stints in the NBC comedy show titled Saturday Night Live. The Hollywood big man lived a very complicated life which was cut short by his addiction to drugs. Read on, as we take you on a journey through his life, career, net worth, family, and other facts below.
A Look At Chris Farley’s Background and Career
The highly energetic comic star was born Christopher Crosby Farley on the 15th day of February 1964 in Madison, Wisconsin, in the United States of America. Growing up in Maple Bluff, Chris graduated from Edgewood High School of the Sacred Heart. After that, he enrolled at Marquette University where he acquired a bachelor’s degree in theatre and communications. While he was in the university, Chris discovered his talent in comedy.
Soon after he left the university, Chris Farley made his first stint in comedy at the Ark Improv Theatre situated in Madison as well as the Olympic Theatre in Chicago. Being part of the Second City Troupe, Chris featured regularly at Chicago’s Second City Theatre for a while before he got a promotion to the Mainstage. In 1989, he was a cast member of comedy shows including Flag Smoking Permitted in Lobby Only or Censorama, and The Gods Must Be Crazy, among others.
In 1990, he joined the cast of Saturday Night Live alongside Chris Rock, David Spade, Adam Schneider, and Adam Sandler. The group was then regarded as the ‘Bad Boys of SNL.’ The comedian also made his acting debut when he starred as a security guard in the 1992 American comedy titled Wayne’s World. The film also starred popular actors such as Dana Carvey and Wayne Campbell. He went on to portray Ronnie the Mechanic in Coneheads. Farley also appeared in Airheads and Billy Madison.
Chris Farley got his breakthrough in 1995 when he portrayed the role of Thomas in the comedy film titled Tommy Boy alongside David Spade. Their impressive performance in the movie earned them an MTV Movie Awards for On-Screen Best Duo. He also starred in other movies such as Beverly Hills Ninja, Almost Heroes, and Dirty Work, among others. Unfortunately, the actor had several unfinished projects before his sudden demise in 1999. However, he achieved quite a lot in his career. Chris featured in several films and recorded several awards in his name. He lived a lavish lifestyle with his net worth penned at $5 million. He earned his net worth from his comedy shows as well as his acting career and other endeavors.
Who Are the Members of Chris Farley’s Family?
The comic star was one of five children born to Thomas Farley Sr. and his wife Mary Farley. Apparently, he came from a middle-class American family with his father, John known for owning an oil company called Scotch Oil Company situated in Madison. His mother, on the other hand, worked as a homemaker. His father passed on in 1999.
Just like Farley, his brothers Kevin and John are also successful in the entertainment biz. John established himself as an actor cum comedian while Kevin is a well-known dancer, singer, comedian, and production designer. Kevin starred in the Saturday Night Live Show, he has equally appeared in other TV shows and movies including Curb Your Enthusiasm and Rules of Engagement.
Contrary to his successful comedy career, Farley was not so successful in his love life. The comic star had numerous stints with so many ladies; nevertheless, he was never married. One of his numerous girlfriends was Erin Maroney who was Lorne Michael’s assistant. She later became one of the writers for the Saturday Night Live show. Also, Chris had a relationship with the American actress and writer named Karen Duff in 1993. However, there is not much information with regard to his relationship with Karen and Erin.
What Led To Chris Farley Death?
Death is inevitable but the choices we make could either prolong our lives or lead to an untimely death. For Chris, he may have lived longer had he made healthy choices. The actor who was best known for his comic acts also had his own personal challenges, especially as regards his health. In addition to being overweight, Chris became addicted to drugs and alcohol right from the inception of his career; he was reportedly suspended from the cast of the Saturday Night Live Show on several occasions due to his addictions. He also went into rehab over seventeen times yet it didn’t help his situation. Then, obesity set in.
In 1997, the comic star started experiencing a decline in his health which raised several eyebrows on the part of his millions of fans but despite the rising concern over his high drug intake the actor continued his habit. Unknown to him and his fans all over the world, his guest appearance on the Saturday Night Live Show on the 25th of October 1997 would be his last acting role. A few days before his death, the comedian hosted a number of parties in his house where he consumed lots of weed and cocaine altogether. His last event, however, was a day before his death when he reportedly paid a hooker $300 to visit him at 8:30 a.m. for a lap dance. Shortly after that, his brother Kevin Farley found him dead at his apartment located at the John Hancock Center in Chicago, Illinois.
Chris Farley’s was 33 years old when he died on December 18, 1997. He was very tall and chubby with an impeccable personality. He stood at a height of 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) and weighed 296 pounds at the time of his death. According to the toxicology report, the actor and comedian died from a cocaine and morphine overdose. His funeral was held at Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church in Madison, Wisconsin and his body was laid to rest at Resurrection Cemetery.
