Twenty-seven years ago, the vibrant life of comedian Chris Farley tragically ended. The Wisconsin native, celebrated for his boisterous energy and unforgettable characters, was found deceased in his Chicago apartment on December 18, 1997. The apparent cause was a drug overdose, a devastating conclusion for the 33-year-old star, mirroring the fate of his idol John Belushi, who also died at 33, fifteen years prior.
Farley’s ambition to emulate Belushi ignited the moment he witnessed his father’s uproarious laughter watching Animal House. He meticulously followed Belushi’s path, earning his place at Chicago’s Second City Theater in 1987 – Belushi’s launching pad – and subsequently joining Saturday Night Live in 1990, fifteen years after Belushi’s SNL debut.
During his five seasons on SNL, Farley became a comedic force, creating iconic characters like Matt Foley, the zealous motivational speaker, the enthusiastic Chippendales dancer, and Cindy of the Gap girls. Despite his dismissal from SNL in 1995, alongside his friend Adam Sandler, Farley transitioned to film success with roles in Tommy Boy and Beverly Hills Ninja.
However, beneath the fame and fortune, Farley grappled with personal battles, including addictions to alcohol, drugs, and food. He underwent numerous rehab stints, achieving sobriety for three years before a relapse in 1995. Friends repeatedly urged Farley to seek help, fearing he was heading down the same destructive path as Belushi.
“I said, ‘Chris, you can’t follow John. You can’t follow his track. The guy did drugs. He’s dead. You can’t follow him with the drugs to find out who he was,’” Jim Belushi, John’s brother, recounted on David Spade and Dana Carvey’s Fly on the Wall podcast, highlighting the desperate pleas to save Farley.
But Farley dismissed these concerns, embracing a lifestyle of excess. “I mean, there’s no control in life, is there?” Farley reflected in a 1997 Rolling Stone interview. “There’s only one who’s in control, and He’ll take me when He wants me. I don’t want to know about it. It’s none of my business. But when it happens, I just ask that it won’t be painful and that He forgives me my sins.”
From his final days to his enduring legacy, here’s a detailed look into the tragic circumstances surrounding Chris Farley’s death.
The Discovery of His Death and Initial Suspicions
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Chris Farley attends a Saturday Night Live cast press conference on September 18, 1990 in New York. Alan Singer/NBC
When Chris Farley’s body was discovered, there were no signs of foul play, and no illicit drugs were immediately visible in his apartment. However, those closest to the comedian immediately suspected his long-standing struggles with addiction had tragically culminated in his death. An autopsy report definitively confirmed their fears: Chris Farley’s cause of death was an accidental overdose resulting from a lethal combination of cocaine and morphine.
Blood tests also revealed the presence of Prozac, an antidepressant, and an antihistamine in his system. However, according to a Los Angeles Times report, these substances were not deemed to be contributing factors in his death. The primary cause was determined to be the drug overdose.
Contributing Factors: Coronary Atherosclerosis and Addictions
A significant finding in the medical examiner’s report, as detailed by the Chicago Tribune, was coronary atherosclerosis. This condition, characterized by the narrowing of arteries supplying blood to the heart, was a crucial factor in understanding the circumstances of Farley’s death. The Mayo Clinic highlights risk factors for coronary artery disease including obesity, alcohol consumption, and an unhealthy diet. At the time of his death, Chris Farley’s weight was 296 lbs, with a height of 5 feet 8 inches, and he was known for his struggles with addictions to drugs, alcohol, and food, making him highly vulnerable.
Jillian Seely, a close friend, poignantly stated to PEOPLE shortly after his passing, “[Chris played Russian roulette with drugs and alcohol], and it caught up with him. He wanted more than anything to be sober, but his addictions overtook him.” This statement underscores the devastating impact of his long-term battles with substance abuse and unhealthy lifestyle choices on his already compromised health.
Farley himself seemed to have a somber awareness of his self-destructive path. Reflecting on his drug use in his 1997 Rolling Stone interview, he admitted, “Let’s just say I had my share of fun. But all that s— does is kill someone. It is a demon that must be snuffed out. It is the end.” These words reveal a tragic understanding of his own mortality and the perilous nature of his lifestyle.
Where Did Chris Farley Die?
Chris Farley’s death location was his rented apartment on the 60th floor of the John Hancock Tower, a 100-story skyscraper in downtown Chicago. His younger brother, John Farley, discovered his body in the front room. He was found lying on his back on the linoleum floor, dressed in sweatpants and an open shirt.
Father Matt Foley, a friend of Farley’s and the inspiration behind his famous SNL character of the same name, reflected on the somber circumstances in the documentary I Am Chris Farley: “He died alone on a linoleum floor. It was not what we wanted for him or what he wanted for himself.” This poignant statement emphasizes the isolation and tragedy surrounding his final moments.
When Did Chris Farley Die?
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Chris Farley attends the ‘Excess Baggage’ premiere at the Mann’s Village Theatre on August 25, 1997 in Westwood, California. Steve Granitz/WireImage
Although Chris Farley’s death was discovered around 2 p.m. on December 18, 1997, the events leading to his tragic end began several days prior. His downward spiral commenced on Sunday, December 14th.
According to an Entertainment Weekly report detailing Chris Farley’s final days, Sunday night was spent partying at Karma, a Chicago club. Around 2 a.m. on Monday, the party moved back to his apartment, where he reportedly continued to use cocaine for approximately seven more hours. The partying persisted into Monday evening as he attended the 38th-anniversary celebration for Second City, the improv institution where his career began, followed by further club hopping throughout the night.
Former Chicago Bulls player Dennis Rodman, who encountered Farley that night, told PEOPLE about Farley’s state: “He was partying too much and had no sense of direction.” Rodman even had one of his bodyguards assist Farley in getting home, highlighting the comedian’s visibly deteriorating condition.
The excessive behavior continued into Tuesday, December 16th. Entertainment Weekly reported that Farley allegedly hired an exotic dancer named Autumn to come to his apartment. During this time, he reportedly smoked marijuana, drank vodka, and attempted to procure more cocaine, indicating a continued pattern of heavy substance abuse. “You could just tell he was on a rampage,” Autumn told the publication, describing his out-of-control behavior.
Heidi Hauser, another exotic dancer, claimed to have spent Wednesday, December 17th – the final day of Chris Farley’s life – with him. She alleged that they were together in his apartment for most of the day, during which he consumed substantial quantities of vodka, heroin, and cocaine. Hauser stated she left around 3 a.m. on Thursday, at which point Farley reportedly passed out on his apartment floor. His body was discovered approximately 11 hours later, on Thursday afternoon, marking the tragic end of his life.
How Old Was Chris Farley When He Died?
Chris Farley’s age at death was 33 years old. This is a tragically young age, especially considering the immense comedic talent he possessed and the potential for future contributions to the entertainment world. The fact that he died at the same age as his idol, John Belushi, adds another layer of poignancy to his untimely demise, highlighting the cyclical nature of similar struggles within the entertainment industry.
What Were Chris Farley’s Last Words?
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Chris Farley attends 69th Annual Academy Awards on March 24, 1997 at the Shrine Auditorium in Los Angeles, California. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
Chris Farley’s last words are attributed to Heidi Hauser, the exotic dancer who spent his final hours with him. According to a New York Magazine account, their interaction took a turn when they argued about money. As Hauser prepared to leave, Farley reportedly attempted to follow her but collapsed on his apartment floor, struggling to breathe.
“Don’t leave me,” Chris Farley reportedly pleaded to Hauser before losing consciousness. Hauser allegedly then took photographs of him, stole his watch, and departed, leaving behind a note stating she had enjoyed their time together. These alleged last words and Hauser’s subsequent actions paint a disturbing picture of his final moments, emphasizing his vulnerability and the chaotic circumstances surrounding his death.
What Was the Public Reaction to Chris Farley’s Death?
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Phil Hartman and Chris Farley at a Saturday Night Live cast party. Barry King/WireImage
For those acquainted with Chris Farley and his well-documented struggles with substance abuse, his premature death was sadly not unexpected. A Chicago newspaper columnist, as Rolling Stone noted, even described Farley’s passing as “the least-surprising premature death of a celebrity in show-business history.” However, this lack of surprise did not diminish the profound sadness and sense of loss felt by many.
Mike Myers, reflecting on Farley’s death in the documentary I Am Chris Farley, stated, “I wasn’t shocked, but I was very sad.” This sentiment likely resonated with many who admired Farley’s comedic talent and recognized his internal battles.
Public memorial services were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago, allowing fans and colleagues to grieve and celebrate his life. His funeral in his hometown of Madison, Wisconsin, was attended by numerous stars, including Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, and Dan Aykroyd. Mourners were given copies of “A Clown’s Prayer,” a piece Farley kept in his wallet, reflecting his personal philosophy.
The prayer encapsulates a desire to bring joy and positivity to the world despite personal struggles: “As I stumble through this life, help me create more laughter than tears, dispense more happiness than gloom, spread more cheer than despair.” This prayer offers a poignant insight into Farley’s character and his aspirations beyond his comedic persona.
Why Didn’t David Spade Go to Chris Farley’s Funeral?
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Chris Farley and David Spade attend Second Annual MTV Movie Awards on June 5, 1993 at Walt Disney Studios in Burbank, California. Ron Galella Collection via Getty
While many of Chris Farley’s fellow comedians and Saturday Night Live cast members attended his private funeral in Madison, one notable absence was his close friend, David Spade. Spade and Farley’s on-screen partnership in SNL, Tommy Boy, and Black Sheep was legendary, and their off-screen friendship was equally strong, with Spade describing their bond to the Today show as being “like an old married couple.”
Spade’s absence from the funeral led to speculation of a falling out between the two. However, years later, Spade clarified his reasons for not attending. In a Reddit AMA in April 2014, as reported by Rolling Stone, Spade explained, “I think about him all the time. We had such a good time for so long and we were crammed together for so long that we did have our squabbles, but I think people misunderstood me not going to that funeral.”
He continued, “It was nothing about that. It was just too … emotional and I wouldn’t be able to handle it.” This honest admission reveals the depth of his grief and the personal struggle he faced in confronting the loss of his close friend.
What is Chris Farley’s Legacy?
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Chris Farley, Chris Rock, Adam Sandler & David Spade in 1997. Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic
Despite his tragically short career and life, Chris Farley’s impact on comedy remains profound and enduring. He is widely celebrated as one of the greatest comedic talents of his generation. His legacy was cemented further when he received a star on Hollywood’s Walk of Fame in 2005, seven years after his passing.
At Farley’s Walk of Fame ceremony, David Spade reflected on his friend’s lasting appeal, telling Today, “Everyone still has a real nice place in their hearts for him, they still remember him. He goes down as one of the greats. And I still think about him every day.”
Farley’s friends and colleagues in the comedy world have consistently honored his memory in the decades since his death. Adam Sandler penned a heartfelt tribute song, “Chris Farley Song,” which he performed on his 2018 Netflix special Adam Sandler: 100% Fresh, again during his SNL hosting gig in 2019, and as a regular feature in his 2022 stand-up tour.
In the song, Sandler poignantly recalls their friendship and the pain of his loss: “We laughed all night long because of Farley/ But a few months later the party came to an end/ We flew out to Madison to bury our friend.” He further expresses his longing for their camaraderie and comedic partnership, imagining scenarios that would have included Farley: “Yeah I miss hanging out/ Watching you try to get laid/ But most of all I miss watching you torture [David] Spade/ You’re a legend how you want it, but I still wish you were here with me/ And we were getting on a plane to shoot Grown Ups 3.”
Spade and Dana Carvey also paid tribute to Farley with a two-part special on their Fly on the Wall podcast around the 25th anniversary of his death in 2022. These episodes celebrated Farley’s comedic genius and mourned the immense potential cut short by his untimely death.
Chris Rock, on the tribute special, compared Farley to a sports legend: “No one was competing with Farley. It was just like he’s [Michael Jordan], and give him the ball.” Rock further emphasized Farley’s unique talent and the profound sense of loss felt by the comedy world: “It’s sad when our friend’s not here, but it is curious to [think] ‘Wow, what would that guy have done?’ … He’s literally that level of actor, and that level of like, you just felt for that guy. Whatever ride Chris Farley was going to take me on, I was definitely ready to go on it.”
Chris Farley’s story is also set to be memorialized in a forthcoming biopic, based on the 2008 book The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts. Paul Walter Hauser is slated to portray Farley, with Josh Gad reportedly directing and Lorne Michaels producing. Announcing the project on Instagram in April 2024, Hauser described it as “a glory story. Not a tale from the crypt. Ready to honor Christopher,” signaling a tribute that will celebrate Farley’s life and comedic brilliance.
