History of Chris Farley in Timeline

Chris Farley was an American actor and comedian renowned for his energetic and physical comedic style. He gained prominence as a member of Chicago's Second City Theatre before becoming a cast member on Saturday Night Live from 1990 to 1995, where he created memorable characters and sketches. Farley transitioned to film, starring in popular comedies like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep, solidifying his status as a comedic icon. His career was tragically cut short by his death at age 33.

Sections (2)

Full Timeline Legacy & Impact

February 15, 1964: Christopher Crosby Farley Born

On February 15, 1964, Christopher Crosby Farley was born. He would later become an American actor and comedian.

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1986: Graduated from Marquette University

In 1986, Chris Farley graduated from Marquette University with a double major in communications and theater.

1989: Promotion to Second City's Main Stage

In 1989, Chris Farley was promoted to the main stage at Chicago's Second City Theatre and became a cast member of three revues.

1990: Joined Saturday Night Live

In 1990, Chris Farley became a cast member of the NBC sketch comedy show "Saturday Night Live".

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1994: Focus on Film Career

Following the 1994-95 season, Chris Farley began to focus on his film career after being released from his contract at "Saturday Night Live".

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1995: Left Saturday Night Live

In 1995, Chris Farley left "Saturday Night Live" after being a cast member for five seasons to pursue a film career.

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1995: Fired by NBC

In 1995, Chris Farley, along with Adam Sandler, was fired by NBC from Saturday Night Live due to his off-screen pranks.

1996: Declined The Cable Guy Role

In 1996, Chris Farley was originally intended to play Jim Carrey's role in the film "The Cable Guy", but scheduling conflicts forced him to decline.

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October 25, 1997: Final Saturday Night Live Appearance

On October 25, 1997, Chris Farley made his final appearance on "Saturday Night Live" as a host. There was uncertainty whether he would be able to perform due to his health condition.

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December 18, 1997: Chris Farley's Death

On December 18, 1997, Chris Farley, the American actor and comedian, passed away.

1997: Farley's Death from Drug Overdose

In 1997, Chris Farley died at the age of 33 from a drug overdose, after struggling with obesity, alcoholism, and substance abuse.

1997: Decline in Health

In 1997, there was a visible decline in Chris Farley's health. He sought treatment for his weight and drug abuse on 17 occasions in his final years.

January 13, 1998: Second Funeral Service

On January 13, 1998, a second funeral service was held for Chris Farley at St. Monica Catholic Church, following the first service held in December 1997.

June 1998: Posthumous Release of Dirty Work

In June 1998, Chris Farley's final completed film, "Dirty Work," was posthumously released.

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1999: Red Hot Chili Peppers Tribute

In 1999, the Red Hot Chili Peppers' album "Californication" was released, which contains the song "Purple Stain" with the lyric "Farley is an angel and I can prove this" as a tribute to Chris Farley.

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2000: Dinosaur Film Release

In 2000, the movie "Dinosaur" was released. Chris Farley was slated for a voice role as Sorbus, but after his death, the character was rewritten.

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2001: Shrek Film Release

In 2001, the animated film "Shrek" was released. Chris Farley was originally cast as the voice of Shrek, but he died before completing the voice-over, and Mike Myers replaced him.

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August 26, 2005: Awarded Star on Hollywood Walk of Fame

On August 26, 2005, Chris Farley was posthumously awarded the 2,289th star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

2010: Release of Grown Ups

In 2010, "Grown Ups" was released. Chris Farley was originally considered for a part in the film during its early conception, but development was put on hold due to his death and Kevin James took his place.

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August 10, 2015: I Am Chris Farley Documentary Shown

On August 10, 2015, a television documentary on Chris Farley's life titled "I Am Chris Farley" was shown.

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2015: Release of Story Reel with Farley as Shrek

In 2015, a story reel featuring a sample of Chris Farley as Shrek was released, after he was originally cast as the voice of the title character in the animated movie "Shrek".

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November 19, 2016: Autopsy: The Last Hours of Chris Farley Premiered

On November 19, 2016, the TV program "Autopsy: The Last Hours of Chris Farley" premiered on the Reelz channel.

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2018: Adam Sandler's Tribute Song

In 2018, Adam Sandler wrote and performed an emotional tribute song dedicated to Chris Farley in his Netflix stand-up special "Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh".

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May 4, 2019: Sandler Plays Tribute Song on SNL

On May 4, 2019, Adam Sandler played his tribute song to Chris Farley live on an episode of "Saturday Night Live" that he hosted.

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2022: Release of Animation Test with Farley as Shrek

In 2022, an animation test featuring a sample of Chris Farley as Shrek was released. He was originally cast as the voice of the title character in the animated movie "Shrek", but he died before completion.

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