The iconic comedian and actor Chris Farley, was born in 1964, in Madison, Wisconsin. After graduating high school, Farley enrolled in Marquette University and majored in communications and theatre. He graduated in 1986. After college, Farley did not immediately go into comedy; instead he worked with his father at the Scotch Oil Company in Wisconsin.

Farley’s start in comedy began at the Ark Improv Theatre and the Improv Olympic Theatre, both located in Madison, Wisconsin. After achieving local success as a comedian, Farley moved to Chicago’s Second City Theatre where he was promoted to a main stage act. During one of Farley’s performances he was discovered by Lorne Michaels who worked with the television show Saturday Night Live.

Farley signed on as a cast member for SNL in 1990. He was one of two newcomers to the show that season, the second being fellow comedian, Chris Rock. On the show Farley frequently worked with David Spade, Adam Sandler, and Rob Schneider. These four hilarious performers quickly became known as the Bad Boys of SNL.

Farley performed many hilarious sketches on the show, taking some of his material from his days working at the Second City Theatre in Chicago. Some of his characters included Matt Foley (an over-the-top motivational speaker), a Chippendale’s dancer, and a Gap girl. Farley was also known for his impersonation of Tom Arnold. Tom later gave the eulogy at Farley’s funeral.

On top of a hugely successful career on the show, Farley also began to break into films as well. His first appearance in film was in Wayne’s World in 1991. He went on to make appearances in several more films that starred other SNL buddies, like Billy Madison in 1995, starring Adam Sandler. After Farley was released from his Saturday Night Live contract in 1995, he decided to pursue film full time.

David Spade co-starred with Farley in a couple of his first films, Tommy Boy and Black Sheep. His success in these two films cemented his role as a celebrity in Hollywood. Farley then went on to make two other films, including, Beverly Hills Ninja in 1997 and Almost Heroes in 1998, co-starring Matthew Perry. Although Farley never received much critical acclaim for his work, young audiences adored his comedic performances and his work as a physical comedian.

Throughout his life, Farley struggled with a combination of drug addiction, alcohol, and obesity. During his guest appearances on SNL co-workers could see that Farley had become grossly overweight and even needed an oxygen tank on set. He also sweated profusely and his voice had become unsteady.

This deadly combination finally killed the comedian in 1997. Farley was found dead in his apartment on December 18. It was determined by the autopsy that Farley had accidentally overdosed on a combination of cocaine and heroine, also known as a speedball. He died at the age of thirty-three.

Farley’s funeral was held in Madison, Wisconsin, at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church. Among those in attendance were Lorne Michaels, Dan Akroyd, John Goodman, Tom Arnold, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Rob Schneider. Eight years later Farley was honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. The star was strategically placed in front of the Improv Olympic West.

YUDDY