“Saturday Night Live,” often known as “SNL,” has been a launchpad for numerous comedians who have turned their stint on the show into successful film and television careers. One such renowned performer was the much-adored comedy actor Chris Farley. With his comedic antics and larger-than-life persona, Farley shone brightly in the star-studded sky of Hollywood before his life was tragically snuffed out decades too early. Ultimately addiction would end up taking his life after he had been sober for 3 years.
In an ambitious project, multi Golden Globe and Emmy winner Paul Walter Hauser (“Blackbird,” “I, Tonya“) will play Farley. This film, celebrating Farley’s life and career, marks a new venture for actor, producer, and now filmmaker Josh Gad, who will be sitting in the director’s chair. Gad’s own career in the industry positions him perfectly to capture the complexity of Farley’s life and career on the big screen.
Chris Farley was initially anticipated to follow in his father’s footsteps into the oil business. Given his family’s legacy in the industry, it seemed like a natural progression. However, the bright lights of the stage and the thrill of performing proved to be irresistible for Farley. He was seduced away from the predestined path, not by the lure of fame or fortune, but by the intoxicating joy that performing brought him.
In his pursuit of this newfound passion, Farley found himself at the doorstep of Chicago’s renowned Second City improv troupe. It was a highly esteemed institution known to nurture raw talent into seasoned performers. Coincidentally, it was the very same day that fellow future comedy icon, Stephen Colbert, became a part of the troupe. This shared experience paved the way for a friendship that would come to be revered in the annals of comedy history. It was at Second City that Farley’s natural flair for comedy was spotted by Lorne Michaels, creator and longtime producer of “SNL“. Recognizing the potential in Farley’s humor and distinctive comedic style, Michaels recruited him for “Saturday Night Live.” This marked the beginning of Farley’s journey from the Chicago improv scene to the bright lights of New York City, and eventually, Hollywood.
Farley would go on to star in movies like “Tommy Boy,” “Black Sheep,” and “Beverly Hills Ninja“. Unfortunately along with fame came complications and after three years of being sober he fell back into drugs and alcohol passing away at the age of 33 in 1997. We’re excited to see how this movie turns out, though it’s a sad reminder that he was gone from this Earth much too soon.
We’ll let you know what else we hear about this film and other news.
