Chris Farley Dad: The Man Behind The Comedian’s Success And Struggle
Chris Farley was one of the most beloved and hilarious comedians of his generation. He rose to fame as a cast member of Saturday Night Live, where he created memorable characters such as Matt Foley, the motivational speaker who lived in a van down by the river, and a chubby Chippendale’s dancer who competed with Patrick Swayze. He also starred in movies such as Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and Beverly Hills Ninja, showcasing his physical comedy and charisma.
But behind the laughter, Farley had a dark side. He struggled with drug and alcohol addiction, which ultimately led to his tragic death at the age of 33. He was found dead in his Chicago apartment on December 18, 1997, from an overdose of cocaine and morphine.
Who was the man who influenced Farley’s life and career? Who was Chris Farley’s dad?
Thomas John Farley Sr.: A Loving Father And A Successful Businessman
Chris Farley’s dad was Thomas John Farley Sr., who was born on March 27, 1936, in Madison, Wisconsin. He was the son of Irish immigrants who owned a tavern. He graduated from Edgewood High School and attended the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he met his future wife, Mary Anne Crosby.
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Thomas Farley Sr. was a successful businessman who owned an oil company called Scotch Oil. He was also a devout Catholic and a generous philanthropist. He supported various causes, such as education, health care, and the arts. He was also a fan of sports, especially rugby and football.
Thomas Farley Sr. had five children with Mary Anne: Tom Jr., Kevin, John, Chris, and Barbara. He was a loving and supportive father who encouraged his kids to pursue their dreams. He was especially proud of Chris, who inherited his sense of humor and charisma.
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According to Wikipedia, Thomas Farley Sr. once said about Chris: “He had a gift for making people laugh. He could walk into a room and everybody would be happy.”
The Bond Between Chris And His Dad
Chris Farley had a close bond with his dad, who was his role model and mentor. He often credited his dad for inspiring him to become a comedian. He said that his dad taught him how to tell stories and make people laugh.
According to All That’s Interesting, Chris once said: “My dad was the funniest guy I ever knew. I’m not kidding. My brothers and I would say: ‘Dad should be on Johnny Carson.’ He made everybody laugh.”
Chris also shared his dad’s love of sports and adventure. They would go camping, fishing, hunting, skiing, and golfing together. They also enjoyed watching football games and cheering for their favorite team, the Chicago Bears.
Chris often impersonated his dad in his comedy sketches, such as the one where he played a Bears fan who had a heart attack while watching a game. He also dedicated his first movie, Tommy Boy, to his dad.
The Impact Of His Dad’s Death On Chris
Unfortunately, Chris Farley’s dad died on March 27, 1999, at the age of 62, from a heart attack. He passed away just 15 months after Chris died.
The death of his dad had a devastating impact on Chris, who was already struggling with addiction and depression. He felt guilty for not being able to make his dad proud and for causing him pain and worry.
According to Wikitoday, Chris once said: “I always think I’m letting my dad down. When I drink and do drugs I feel like I’m not living up to what he wanted me to be.”
Chris tried to cope with his grief by using more drugs and alcohol, which only worsened his condition. He also became more isolated and depressed, losing touch with his friends and family.
He died alone in his apartment after spending four days binging on drugs with various prostitutes and drug dealers.
The Legacy Of Chris And His Dad
Despite their tragic deaths, Chris Farley and his dad left behind a lasting legacy of laughter and love. They are remembered as two of the most influential and generous people in their community.
Thomas Farley Sr. founded the Chris Farley Foundation in 1998, which is a non-profit organization that aims to prevent substance abuse among young people through humor and education. The foundation also supports various charities that Chris cared about, such as the Make-A-Wish Foundation and the Boys & Girls Club.
Chris Farley is regarded as one of the greatest comedians of all time, whose work continues to entertain and inspire millions of fans around the world. He is honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and an exhibit at the Second City Theater in Chicago.
According to Find A Grave, Chris and his dad are buried next to each other at the Resurrection Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin. Their graves are marked with simple headstones that read: “He made us laugh” and “He made him laugh”.
