Chris Farley
Chris Farley, born in Madison, Wisconsin in 1964, was an American comedian and actor widely known for his larger-than-life personality and high-energy comedy style. From an early age, Farley exhibited a knack for making people laugh, which would later become the cornerstone of his career. He attended Marquette University, where he honed his comedic skills through various theatrical productions. His talent caught the attention of the renowned sketch comedy troupe, Second City in Chicago, leading to his first professional stint in comedy.
In 1990, Farley joined the cast of Saturday Night Live (SNL), a platform that propelled him into stardom. His portrayal of memorable characters like the motivational speaker Matt Foley and his impersonation of public figures including Newt Gingrich and Jerry Garcia quickly established him as a fan favorite. His time at SNL also marked the beginning of his fruitful collaboration with fellow comedian David Spade, leading to successful films like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep.
Despite his professional success, Farley struggled with personal issues throughout his life. His battle with substance abuse was well-documented, and repeated attempts at rehabilitation yielded little success. In 1997, at the age of 33, Farley's life was tragically cut short due to a drug overdose. Despite his untimely death, Chris Farley's legacy lives on in the world of comedy.