Christopher Crosby Farley (February 15, 1964 - December 18, 1997) was an American actor and comedian, best known as one of the cast members of the popular Saturday Night Live television series.
Farley got his start with Chicago's Second City comedy group. Soon, Farley was discovered by Lorne Michaels, producer of NBC's Saturday Night Live. Michaels hired Farley to join the cast and he immediately became one of the most popular cast members during the 1991 to 1995 seasons. Appearing on the show was a dream come true for Farley, who idolized comedian and former cast member, John Belushi.
Farley left the show in 1995 and made several movies with fellow former SNL cast member, David Spade. The two starred in 1995's Tommy Boy and 1996's Black Sheep. Farley also made appearances in other films, such as Coneheads in 1993, Wayne's World 2 in 1993, Adam Sandler's Billy Madison in 1995, Beverly Hills Ninja in 1997, and Norm MacDonald's Dirty Work on 1998. Farley won widespread acclaim not only as a great "physical" comic but also as a fine comic actor. He was especially praised for a moving scene in Tommy Boy where he talked about his father.
Farley, who had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for years, was found dead in his Chicago apartment on December 18, 1997. An autopsy revealed that Farley had died of an accidental overdose of cocaine and heroin, with coronary arteriosclerosis being a contributing factor. Following his death the tabloid press had a field day with the lurid details. It should be noted, however, that people who knew Farley said he was a very kind, decent human being whose biggest problem wasn't addiction, but the fact he did not love himself. |
