Update: The Chris Farley Show, a film adaptation of the book by the late SNL star’s brother Tom, is a go. Deadline is reporting that New Line Cinema has acquired the rights and is full steam ahead on what could be a potential Oscar-play for the studio.
Original Story: Cruella and Cobra Kai actor Paul Walter Hauser is going from voicing Embarrassment in Pixar’s upcoming sequel Inside Out 2 to living in a van down by the river for the lead role in Josh Gad’s Chris Farley biopic. Hauser is stuffing himself into a little coat to play the legendary comedian, Saturday Night Live alum, and star of comedies like Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and Beverly Hills Ninja. Josh Gad directs the Chris Farley biopic, with Lorne Michaels producing through his Broadway video studio.
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber will pen the script based on the...
Original Story: Cruella and Cobra Kai actor Paul Walter Hauser is going from voicing Embarrassment in Pixar’s upcoming sequel Inside Out 2 to living in a van down by the river for the lead role in Josh Gad’s Chris Farley biopic. Hauser is stuffing himself into a little coat to play the legendary comedian, Saturday Night Live alum, and star of comedies like Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, and Beverly Hills Ninja. Josh Gad directs the Chris Farley biopic, with Lorne Michaels producing through his Broadway video studio.
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber will pen the script based on the...
- 4/30/2024
- by Steve Seigh
- JoBlo.com
After Deadline broke the news last week that New Line was in pole position to land the package A Chris Farley Story, the studio made it official today, having acquired the biopic starring Paul Walter Hauser as the legendary comedian. Josh Gad directs, with Lorne Michaels and Erin David producing via Broadway Video.
The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. This marks the second major package Warner Bros. has landed this week with the main studio acquiring Avengelyne which is being developed as a star vehicle for Margot Robbie.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler,...
The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber. This marks the second major package Warner Bros. has landed this week with the main studio acquiring Avengelyne which is being developed as a star vehicle for Margot Robbie.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler,...
- 4/30/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
New Line Cinema proved to be more highly motivated than the rest of its competition in landing the forthcoming Chris Farley biopic that is set to star Paul Walter Hauser as the late comedy legend.
The company has landed director Josh Gad’s film following a highly competitive situation. Hauser, a recent Emmy winner for his work in Apple TV+’s Black Bird, will star as Farley, the Saturday Night Live standout and star of such films as Tommy Boy who died of a drug overdose in 1997 at age 33.
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (The Disaster Artist, Daisy Jones & The Six) are writing the screenplay based on Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby’s best-selling biography, The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts. The project has the blessing of the Farley family, with SNL creator Lorne Michaels and Erin David serving as producers for Broadway Video.
Farley...
The company has landed director Josh Gad’s film following a highly competitive situation. Hauser, a recent Emmy winner for his work in Apple TV+’s Black Bird, will star as Farley, the Saturday Night Live standout and star of such films as Tommy Boy who died of a drug overdose in 1997 at age 33.
Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber (The Disaster Artist, Daisy Jones & The Six) are writing the screenplay based on Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby’s best-selling biography, The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts. The project has the blessing of the Farley family, with SNL creator Lorne Michaels and Erin David serving as producers for Broadway Video.
Farley...
- 4/30/2024
- by Ryan Gajewski
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
Exclusive: No decision has been made official, but sources tell Deadline that New Line is the favorite to land the package that is based on the biography The Chris Farley Show with Paul Walter Hauser attached to play the legendary comedian. The pitch is based on the book by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby and will be adapted by Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber with Josh Gad directing. Lorne Michaels, who found and cast Farley in Saturday Night Live in the ’90s, is producing through his Broadway Video.
Insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project. The studio had no comment.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler, David Spade,...
Insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project. The studio had no comment.
The film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the second heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley would join an ensemble of all-time SNL greats including Adam Sandler, David Spade,...
- 4/25/2024
- by Mike Fleming Jr and Anthony D'Alessandro
- Deadline Film + TV
Last Updated on April 22, 2024
Saturday Night Live skits have given us some of the funniest and most enjoyable movies of their eras. Ok, there aren’t many – we’re really mostly talking about The Blues Brothers, the Wayne’s World double feature and MacGruber – but what’s there is choice comedy. On the other side, we have crap like It’s Pat, The Ladies Man and Stuart Saves His Family, all proving that just because something works for five minutes doesn’t mean it can sustain 90. Take another recurring skit, Debbie Downer, for another example, who Rachel Dratch turned into a signature character in more than a half-dozen appearances. Thankfully such a movie never happened – something that Dratch is perfectly fine with.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Rachel Dratch recognized that while the character stands as one of her greatest contributions to SNL, she just wouldn’t have the legs to make it on the big screen.
Saturday Night Live skits have given us some of the funniest and most enjoyable movies of their eras. Ok, there aren’t many – we’re really mostly talking about The Blues Brothers, the Wayne’s World double feature and MacGruber – but what’s there is choice comedy. On the other side, we have crap like It’s Pat, The Ladies Man and Stuart Saves His Family, all proving that just because something works for five minutes doesn’t mean it can sustain 90. Take another recurring skit, Debbie Downer, for another example, who Rachel Dratch turned into a signature character in more than a half-dozen appearances. Thankfully such a movie never happened – something that Dratch is perfectly fine with.
Speaking with ComicBook.com, Rachel Dratch recognized that while the character stands as one of her greatest contributions to SNL, she just wouldn’t have the legs to make it on the big screen.
- 4/20/2024
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
A biopic about the life of the late “Saturday Night Live” star Chris Farley is in the works, IndieWire has confirmed.
Emmy-winner Paul Walter Hauser is attached to star as Farley, and Josh Gad would direct the project. “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels is producing the feature biopic via his Broadway Video production banner. Gad, the Broadway star and “Frozen” actor, would make his feature directorial debut on the film.
Right now the project is just at the package stage and being presented to interested buyers looking to make it, but it surely will be an in-demand package that could go quickly and make this movie a reality sooner rather than later. It also helps that the Farley family has given its blessing to the project.
The currently untitled film is based on “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography In Three Acts” written by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby that...
Emmy-winner Paul Walter Hauser is attached to star as Farley, and Josh Gad would direct the project. “SNL” producer Lorne Michaels is producing the feature biopic via his Broadway Video production banner. Gad, the Broadway star and “Frozen” actor, would make his feature directorial debut on the film.
Right now the project is just at the package stage and being presented to interested buyers looking to make it, but it surely will be an in-demand package that could go quickly and make this movie a reality sooner rather than later. It also helps that the Farley family has given its blessing to the project.
The currently untitled film is based on “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography In Three Acts” written by Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby that...
- 4/12/2024
- by Brian Welk
- Indiewire
“Saturday Night Live” legend Chris Farley’s funny, sad, tragically brief life is getting the biopic treatment from producer Lorne Michaels and director Josh Gad, according to The Hollywood Reporter.
Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning “Black Bird” star Paul Walter Hauser has been tapped to play Farley. The script is by “Daisy Jones & the Six” creators Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, and based on the bestselling book “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts” by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby. “SNL” boss Michaels will produce through his Broadway Video banner. The project, which is being shopped to studios now, has the blessing of the Farley family.
Gad, who is best known for his performances in the Disney films “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast” and the Broadway shows “The Book of Mormon” and “Gutenberg! The Musical,” will be making his feature directorial debut with the biopic.
Emmy- and Golden Globe-winning “Black Bird” star Paul Walter Hauser has been tapped to play Farley. The script is by “Daisy Jones & the Six” creators Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber, and based on the bestselling book “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts” by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby. “SNL” boss Michaels will produce through his Broadway Video banner. The project, which is being shopped to studios now, has the blessing of the Farley family.
Gad, who is best known for his performances in the Disney films “Frozen” and “Beauty and the Beast” and the Broadway shows “The Book of Mormon” and “Gutenberg! The Musical,” will be making his feature directorial debut with the biopic.
- 4/12/2024
- by Liam Mathews
- Gold Derby
A Chris Farley biopic is in the works, with Josh Gad set to direct.
In the hot package being shopped around town, Emmy, Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Award winner Paul Walter Hauser is attached to star as the legendary comedian. There’s no word yet on where the project will land, but it’s sure to attract a slew of bidders.
The film will adapt best-selling biography “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts” by Tom Farley Jr. (Chris Farley’s brother) and Tanner Colby. Lorne Michaels, who cast Farley on “Saturday Night Live,” is producing via Broadway Video.
Oscar and Emmy nominees Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber will write the screenplay.
Before his tragic death in 1997 of a drug overdose, Farley rose to fame during his five-season stretch on “Saturday Night Live.” During that time, he starred in beloved sketches including “Lunch Lady Land” with Adam Sandler,...
In the hot package being shopped around town, Emmy, Critics’ Choice and Golden Globe Award winner Paul Walter Hauser is attached to star as the legendary comedian. There’s no word yet on where the project will land, but it’s sure to attract a slew of bidders.
The film will adapt best-selling biography “The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts” by Tom Farley Jr. (Chris Farley’s brother) and Tanner Colby. Lorne Michaels, who cast Farley on “Saturday Night Live,” is producing via Broadway Video.
Oscar and Emmy nominees Scott Neustadter & Michael H. Weber will write the screenplay.
Before his tragic death in 1997 of a drug overdose, Farley rose to fame during his five-season stretch on “Saturday Night Live.” During that time, he starred in beloved sketches including “Lunch Lady Land” with Adam Sandler,...
- 4/12/2024
- by Katcy Stephan
- Variety Film + TV
Now here is a package coming together that is sure to set the town and market on fire. Deadline is hearing that a script based on The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts is being shopped with Paul Walter Hauser attached to play the iconic late comic and actor.
Josh Gad will direct with Lorne Michaels, who found and cast Farley in Saturday Night Live in the ’90s, producing through his Broadway Video. The package will be sold as a pitch based on the book with Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber penning the script.
Based on the biography by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby — insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project — the film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley...
Josh Gad will direct with Lorne Michaels, who found and cast Farley in Saturday Night Live in the ’90s, producing through his Broadway Video. The package will be sold as a pitch based on the book with Scott Neustadter and Michael H. Weber penning the script.
Based on the biography by Farley’s brother Tom Farley Jr. and Tanner Colby — insiders say the family has given their blessing to the project — the film would tell the story of one of the great comic actors of his generation. Getting his start in the heyday of Saturday Night Live, where Farley...
- 4/12/2024
- by Justin Kroll
- Deadline Film + TV
It’s one of the most iconic Saturday Night Live sketches of all time — and without Christina Applegate, it might never have happened at all.
Applegate recalled the role she played in getting the sketch on the air while chatting with Dana Carvey and David Spade on today’s episode of “Fly on the Wall,” the duo’s SNL-centric podcast.
Applegate first hosted SNL on May 8, 1993 — an episode most famous for the first appearance of Chris Farley’s motivational speaker character Matt Foley, aka the “Van Down by the River” guy.
In the infamous sketch, Farley’s over-the-top physical comedy quickly causes Applegate and Spade to break into laughter. They struggle to contain it for the rest of the scene, as Farley hikes his pants up, squats low, and destroys a coffee table with an explosive jump.
Written by Bob Odenkirk and first performed by Farley back in their Second City days,...
Applegate recalled the role she played in getting the sketch on the air while chatting with Dana Carvey and David Spade on today’s episode of “Fly on the Wall,” the duo’s SNL-centric podcast.
Applegate first hosted SNL on May 8, 1993 — an episode most famous for the first appearance of Chris Farley’s motivational speaker character Matt Foley, aka the “Van Down by the River” guy.
In the infamous sketch, Farley’s over-the-top physical comedy quickly causes Applegate and Spade to break into laughter. They struggle to contain it for the rest of the scene, as Farley hikes his pants up, squats low, and destroys a coffee table with an explosive jump.
Written by Bob Odenkirk and first performed by Farley back in their Second City days,...
- 4/3/2024
- by Nick Riccardo
- LateNighter
Bob Odenkirk recently opened up about his experience as a writer on Saturday Night Live, a gig he got when he was only 25.
“I was unsure of myself. It was hard,” he told comedian Tig Notaro on her podcast. “It was existentially dangerous. I had feelings of ‘I should erase myself.'”
The context of the conversation was advice the Better Call Saul star had recently given to his 24-year-old son, who also wants to be a comedy writer.
“I was too young when I got hired at SNL,” Odenkirk continued. “That was not a good thing. That could’ve gone wrong. That could’ve gone so wrong. It came this close so many times to going so wrong. You gotta believe me. And it’s hard for kids to believe you when you say, ‘I had no f***ing clue what I was doing and I was scared outta my wits for years.
“I was unsure of myself. It was hard,” he told comedian Tig Notaro on her podcast. “It was existentially dangerous. I had feelings of ‘I should erase myself.'”
The context of the conversation was advice the Better Call Saul star had recently given to his 24-year-old son, who also wants to be a comedy writer.
“I was too young when I got hired at SNL,” Odenkirk continued. “That was not a good thing. That could’ve gone wrong. That could’ve gone so wrong. It came this close so many times to going so wrong. You gotta believe me. And it’s hard for kids to believe you when you say, ‘I had no f***ing clue what I was doing and I was scared outta my wits for years.
- 9/17/2023
- by Tom Tapp
- Deadline Film + TV
Bob Odenkirk is reflecting on his time as a writer on “Saturday Night Live.”
In a recent interview on comedian Tig Notaro’s podcast “Don’t Ask Tig,” the “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad” actor recalled a discussion he had with his 24-year-old son Nate, who wants to pursue a career as a comedy writer.
Odenkirk, who joined “SNL” at 25 years old, then shared his own insecurities writing professionally at a young age, saying, “I was unsure of myself. It was hard. It was existentially dangerous. I had feelings of ‘I should erase myself.'”
“I was too young when I got hired at ‘SNL,'” he continued. “That was not a good thing. That could’ve gone wrong. That could’ve gone so wrong. It came this close so many times to going so wrong. You gotta believe me. And it’s hard for kids to believe you when you say,...
In a recent interview on comedian Tig Notaro’s podcast “Don’t Ask Tig,” the “Better Call Saul” and “Breaking Bad” actor recalled a discussion he had with his 24-year-old son Nate, who wants to pursue a career as a comedy writer.
Odenkirk, who joined “SNL” at 25 years old, then shared his own insecurities writing professionally at a young age, saying, “I was unsure of myself. It was hard. It was existentially dangerous. I had feelings of ‘I should erase myself.'”
“I was too young when I got hired at ‘SNL,'” he continued. “That was not a good thing. That could’ve gone wrong. That could’ve gone so wrong. It came this close so many times to going so wrong. You gotta believe me. And it’s hard for kids to believe you when you say,...
- 9/16/2023
- by Michaela Zee
- Variety Film + TV
Bob Odenkirk is getting candid about his time on Saturday Night Live.
During a recent appearance on Tig Notaro’s podcast Don’t Ask Tig, the Better Call Saul star explained it was difficult for him to start out in comedy, especially his time as a writer on the late-night sketch series from 1987 to 1991.
While at SNL, he said, he was “unsure of myself. It was hard. It was existentially dangerous. I had feelings of ‘I should erase myself.'”
He continued, “I was too young when I got hired at SNL. That was not a good thing. That could’ve gone wrong. That could’ve gone so wrong. It came this close so many times to going so wrong. You gotta believe me.”
Odenkirk added that he had “no fucking clue” what he was doing and was genuinely “scared out of my wits” for years. While he was on the show,...
During a recent appearance on Tig Notaro’s podcast Don’t Ask Tig, the Better Call Saul star explained it was difficult for him to start out in comedy, especially his time as a writer on the late-night sketch series from 1987 to 1991.
While at SNL, he said, he was “unsure of myself. It was hard. It was existentially dangerous. I had feelings of ‘I should erase myself.'”
He continued, “I was too young when I got hired at SNL. That was not a good thing. That could’ve gone wrong. That could’ve gone so wrong. It came this close so many times to going so wrong. You gotta believe me.”
Odenkirk added that he had “no fucking clue” what he was doing and was genuinely “scared out of my wits” for years. While he was on the show,...
- 9/16/2023
- by Christy Piña
- The Hollywood Reporter - Movie News
If you were around in the 1990s and of the age to watch comedy films, you've probably come across the films "Tommy Boy" and "Black Sheep" starring comedians David Space and the late Chris Farley. The two were a dynamic duo on "Saturday Night Live," with Spade often playing the straight man to Farley's wild and goofy antics. Farley died of a combination of a drug overdose and heart disease in December 1997, but while they were together, they were fabulously funny.
/Film's own Joe Garza did a list of Farley's top sketches from SNL, including Lunch Lady Land, the Chippendale's sketch with Patrick Swayze, and of course, Matt Foley, motivational speaker. That final one is one of the most ridiculously weird things I've seen on TV, and watching Spade try not to break as Farley's Foley talks about living in a van down by the river and throwing himself onto a table is pure joy.
/Film's own Joe Garza did a list of Farley's top sketches from SNL, including Lunch Lady Land, the Chippendale's sketch with Patrick Swayze, and of course, Matt Foley, motivational speaker. That final one is one of the most ridiculously weird things I've seen on TV, and watching Spade try not to break as Farley's Foley talks about living in a van down by the river and throwing himself onto a table is pure joy.
- 3/26/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Chris Farley was a comic genius. The "Saturday Night Live" comedian brought us incredible characters like the dancer auditioning for Chippendale's with Patrick Swayze, one of the Gap Girls, Todd O'Connor from Bill Swerski's Superfans, and of course, Matt Foley, the motivational speaker who lives in a van down by the river. Farley, who passed away from a drug overdose at the age of 33 in 1997, created the character with Bob Odenkirk ("Better Call Saul") when they were both a part of the Second City comedy group before SNL.
Matt Foley first showed up in 1993 in a sketch where he attempted to motivate two teens (David Spade and Christina Applegate) to stop using drugs. The character appeared for the last time during Farley's first hosting gig on the show, two months before his death.
To this day, there is no one that I can think of who commits to a comedy bit more than Farley did.
Matt Foley first showed up in 1993 in a sketch where he attempted to motivate two teens (David Spade and Christina Applegate) to stop using drugs. The character appeared for the last time during Farley's first hosting gig on the show, two months before his death.
To this day, there is no one that I can think of who commits to a comedy bit more than Farley did.
- 3/26/2023
- by Jenna Busch
- Slash Film
Anybody living in a van down by the river would tell you that Chris Farley’s Matt Foley skit on Saturday Night Live is one of the funniest to ever air. Just under thirty years after it debuted, its creator, Bob Odenkirk, has offered his recollections on its origins and evolution, from its early improv days to making the stage of the most famous sketch comedy show in history.
While tasting a 36,000 Scoville hot sauce on First We Feast’s Hot Ones, Odenkirk told host Sean Evans about one of his most cherished memories of his career: developing Matt Foley with Chris Farley, a presence he knew would be a star the first time he got within 100 feet of him. “My daughter once asked me, ‘What was the most fun you had in show biz?’ And I said I did this sketch with Chris Farley. I played the dad in...
While tasting a 36,000 Scoville hot sauce on First We Feast’s Hot Ones, Odenkirk told host Sean Evans about one of his most cherished memories of his career: developing Matt Foley with Chris Farley, a presence he knew would be a star the first time he got within 100 feet of him. “My daughter once asked me, ‘What was the most fun you had in show biz?’ And I said I did this sketch with Chris Farley. I played the dad in...
- 3/25/2023
- by Mathew Plale
- JoBlo.com
Saturday Night Live star Chris Farley admired original cast member John Belushi. Unfortunately, Farley embodied his role model too closely and indulged in the same sort of drug addiction that cost both comedians their lives. But, in happier times on the set of SNL, cast member David Spade remembered Farley’s habit of wearing Belushi’s pants… no matter what.
L-r: Chris Farley and Jeff Daniels | Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Image
Spade now co-hosts the podcast Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey. When head writer Jim Downey was their guest on May 11, the hosts reminisced about working with Farley. Spade would continue to work with Farley after SNL in the movies Tommy Boy and Black Sheep.
‘Saturday Night Live’ wardrobe department gave Chris Farley John Belushi’s pants
Belushi would pioneer recurring sketch characters like the Samurai and The Blues Brothers. Farley would do motivational...
L-r: Chris Farley and Jeff Daniels | Alan Singer/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Image
Spade now co-hosts the podcast Fly on the Wall with Dana Carvey. When head writer Jim Downey was their guest on May 11, the hosts reminisced about working with Farley. Spade would continue to work with Farley after SNL in the movies Tommy Boy and Black Sheep.
‘Saturday Night Live’ wardrobe department gave Chris Farley John Belushi’s pants
Belushi would pioneer recurring sketch characters like the Samurai and The Blues Brothers. Farley would do motivational...
- 3/1/2023
- by Fred Topel
- Showbiz Cheat Sheet
The career of Adam Sandler has been frequently surprising. On "Saturday Night Live" in 1990, Sandler gained a reputation for playing a puckish, rude, doofus. It was a squeaky, occasionally explosive stage persona the actor would carry over into some of his mid-'90s comedy vehicles like "Billy Madison" and "Happy Gilmore," and would go on to serve as the foundation of his production company. Any number of Sandler's comedy films are crass, prurient, and often venerate the bad behavior of their leads. Also, as a curious motif, Sandler's comedies often employ American pop culture iconography of the 1980s.
But then Sandler will occasionally startle audiences by proving himself as something beyond his usual "dip" persona. In "The Wedding Singer," Sandler emerged as a convincing romantic lead opposite Drew Barrymore. In "Punch-Drunk Love," director Paul Thomas Anderson tapped into Sandler's ever-present rage but balanced it with a truly disarming love story.
But then Sandler will occasionally startle audiences by proving himself as something beyond his usual "dip" persona. In "The Wedding Singer," Sandler emerged as a convincing romantic lead opposite Drew Barrymore. In "Punch-Drunk Love," director Paul Thomas Anderson tapped into Sandler's ever-present rage but balanced it with a truly disarming love story.
- 2/22/2023
- by Witney Seibold
- Slash Film
During his all-too-brief life, comedian Chris Farley created a legacy that's still discussed and enjoyed today. As with many talents that burn bright, Farley had issues with addiction and often struggled to stay on top of his vices despite frequent pleas to stop from friends and colleagues. Ultimately, he died from a drug overdose in 1997 at the age of just 33 in a moment that eerily mirrored the fate of his "Saturday Night Live" idol, John Belushi.
Despite 25 years passing since his death, Farley's work and its impact on comedy feel more alive than ever. References to his infectious and unpredictable nature — and kindness of heart — inspired a touching song by his former "Saturday Night Live" castmate Adam Sandler played during his recent stand-up tour; a double episode of the "Fly on the Wall" podcast, hosted by Farley's frequent collaborator David Spade and fellow "SNL" icon Dana Carvey, invited a range...
Despite 25 years passing since his death, Farley's work and its impact on comedy feel more alive than ever. References to his infectious and unpredictable nature — and kindness of heart — inspired a touching song by his former "Saturday Night Live" castmate Adam Sandler played during his recent stand-up tour; a double episode of the "Fly on the Wall" podcast, hosted by Farley's frequent collaborator David Spade and fellow "SNL" icon Dana Carvey, invited a range...
- 1/8/2023
- by Simon Bland
- Slash Film
It's such a sad irony that Chris Farley is often remembered as a tragedy considering the hilarious human that he was. Substance abuse cut short the life of a star in his prime — and on the verge of breaking beyond the physical comedy he was known for.
After honing his craft at Chicago's historic Second City comedy group, Farley joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1990. Some of his most memorable characters included the Chicago Bears Superfan, motivational speaker Matt Foley, the host of The Chris Farley Show, a mall food court Gap Girl, and of course, a dancer auditioning for Chippendales. But by the mid-1990s, Farley had outgrown the small stage of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. After shining in bit roles in "Airheads" and "Billy Madison," Farley was ready for a starring role, playing alongside David Spade in the 1995 film "Tommy Boy." The movie became a cult classic and...
After honing his craft at Chicago's historic Second City comedy group, Farley joined the cast of "Saturday Night Live" in 1990. Some of his most memorable characters included the Chicago Bears Superfan, motivational speaker Matt Foley, the host of The Chris Farley Show, a mall food court Gap Girl, and of course, a dancer auditioning for Chippendales. But by the mid-1990s, Farley had outgrown the small stage of 30 Rockefeller Plaza. After shining in bit roles in "Airheads" and "Billy Madison," Farley was ready for a starring role, playing alongside David Spade in the 1995 film "Tommy Boy." The movie became a cult classic and...
- 11/20/2022
- by Travis Yates
- Slash Film
Hollywood is full of mediocre comedians who get a few laughs while hosting the occasional "Saturday Night Live" episode or voicing an old, rusted tow truck in a Pixar movie, but they'll never be able to compete with the legends. We all have different opinions about who we consider to be comedy greats, but a few of my personal favorites are Richard Pryor, George Carlin, and Chris Farley. That last pick might raise a few eyebrows, but I'm more than willing to defend the man who threw himself onto coffee tables and danced with Patrick Swayze just to make others laugh -- and boy did they.
Similar to the Supreme Court's views on hardcore porn, comedic perfection is obvious when you see it. Audiences recognized it immediately in Farley. The comedian dominated any stage or set he was ever on and relentlessly attacked onlookers with unbridled, fearless comedy that left them perpetually hungry for more.
Similar to the Supreme Court's views on hardcore porn, comedic perfection is obvious when you see it. Audiences recognized it immediately in Farley. The comedian dominated any stage or set he was ever on and relentlessly attacked onlookers with unbridled, fearless comedy that left them perpetually hungry for more.
- 11/19/2022
- by Christian Gainey
- Slash Film
With "Better Call Saul" in the can, Bob Odenkirk has established himself as not just a convincing dramatic actor but a bankable one. The former "SNL" writer and co-creator/star of the sketch series "Mr Show" has embraced his serious side in the last decade to great effect, even venturing into "John Wick" territory and scoring himself an action hit with 2021's "Nobody." And with his upcoming AMC series "Straight Man," it looks as though the actor is sticking to the genre that made him a household name.
But Odenkirk not only started out in comedy, he was pretty damn successful in it. After winning an Emmy for his writing on "SNL" in 1989, he would repeat the feat in 1993 for his contributions to "The Ben Stiller Show," before launching his own HBO sketch series with David Cross, "Mr. Show." He even came close to playing Michael Scott on "The Office...
But Odenkirk not only started out in comedy, he was pretty damn successful in it. After winning an Emmy for his writing on "SNL" in 1989, he would repeat the feat in 1993 for his contributions to "The Ben Stiller Show," before launching his own HBO sketch series with David Cross, "Mr. Show." He even came close to playing Michael Scott on "The Office...
- 11/11/2022
- by Joe Roberts
- Slash Film
On "Saturday Night Live," breaking is a complicated thing. Back when Jimmy Fallon was a cast member, for instance, he cracked up on camera so often that it became a nuisance to both the audience and his fellow cast members. Tracy Morgan described Fallon's schtick as "taking all the attention off of everybody else and putting it on you, like, 'Oh, look at me, I'm the cute one.'" Morgan apparently forbade Fallon from breaking in any of his sketches — "I told him not to do that s*** in my sketches, so he never did" — which seems to imply that Fallon's laughter was more of a calculated act than he might've wanted us to think.
Other times, the sketch is so funny that you can't really blame the cast member for laughing. Sometimes, the cast members breaking actually elevates the sketch, turning it from something that might've been forgettable...
Other times, the sketch is so funny that you can't really blame the cast member for laughing. Sometimes, the cast members breaking actually elevates the sketch, turning it from something that might've been forgettable...
- 11/11/2022
- by Michael Boyle
- Slash Film
Following the departure of the original Not Ready for Prime Time Players in 1980, there have been very few "Saturday Night Live" cast members who've shot to stardom via one relentlessly hilarious sketch. Certainly, there have been breakout performances, but something on the magnitude of Eddie Murphy hitting the Studio 8H stage as Little Richard Simmons only happened one more time: Chris Farley's Chippendales sketch, opposite guest host Patrick Swayze, on the show's October 27, 1990 episode.
The premise is simple: Swayze and Farley are the finalists for one open dance slot at the famous strip club. To win the gig, they have to face each other in a dance-off. People have criticized the skit for getting big laughs at Farley's expense, but that does him a huge, insulting disservice. The sketch works because of Farley's unabashed energy, and as Robert Smigel once noted, incredible nimbleness. He's a great dancer and an unparalleled physical comedian,...
The premise is simple: Swayze and Farley are the finalists for one open dance slot at the famous strip club. To win the gig, they have to face each other in a dance-off. People have criticized the skit for getting big laughs at Farley's expense, but that does him a huge, insulting disservice. The sketch works because of Farley's unabashed energy, and as Robert Smigel once noted, incredible nimbleness. He's a great dancer and an unparalleled physical comedian,...
- 11/7/2022
- by Jeremy Smith
- Slash Film
"Tommy Boy" was the strongest entry into a genre of film that's sadly extinct, a genre which I like to describe as "Let Chris Farley Go Wild for 90 Minutes." The 1995 film from director Peter Segal is a charming low-brow comedy about a loveable idiot learning to be a responsible adult following the death of his father, who owns his hometown's auto parts plant. It's a film that relies almost entirely on the lightning in a bottle talent of Chris Farley, not to mention the underrated straight-man performance by David Spade, and they turn what could have been a mediocre comedy into a thoroughly entertaining romp that still brings about endless laughs today.
Opening at number one in the box office, "Tommy Boy" found success in theaters, but it didn't become truly beloved until years later. According to Deadline, which looked back on the movie for its 25th anniversary, by the...
Opening at number one in the box office, "Tommy Boy" found success in theaters, but it didn't become truly beloved until years later. According to Deadline, which looked back on the movie for its 25th anniversary, by the...
- 10/28/2022
- by Matt Rainis
- Slash Film
Before Bob Odenkirk stepped into the role of a scamming lawyer, his career was all about making people laugh, either by writing or acting. In fact, before he landed the iconic “Breaking Bad” part in 2009, he’d never seen an episode of the critically acclaimed drama. He always believed he’d remain in comedy.
“I loved writing comedy so much that I figured I’d stay in that corner. I loved it and I still do love it,” he tells Variety. While currently in production on the final season of “Better Call Saul,” Odenkirk is already looking to what’s next: A “pure comedy” project with David Cross, a longtime friend and collaborator.
Just over a decade after taking the “Bad” part, Odenkirk — who won two Emmys for his work in comedy — has earned 13 Emmy nominations for his drama work in “Better Call Saul.” And on April 18, he’ll receive...
“I loved writing comedy so much that I figured I’d stay in that corner. I loved it and I still do love it,” he tells Variety. While currently in production on the final season of “Better Call Saul,” Odenkirk is already looking to what’s next: A “pure comedy” project with David Cross, a longtime friend and collaborator.
Just over a decade after taking the “Bad” part, Odenkirk — who won two Emmys for his work in comedy — has earned 13 Emmy nominations for his drama work in “Better Call Saul.” And on April 18, he’ll receive...
- 4/8/2022
- by Emily Longeretta
- Variety Film + TV
Hard to imagine, but it’s 25 years ago today that Paramount released Tommy Boy, the road-trip comedy that featured the best representation of the movie star potential of Chris Farley. Paired with Saturday Night Live castmate and close friend David Spade, Farley’s athleticism and physical comic ability was used to maximum effect in a career cut way short as a life of excess caught up to him and he died at age 33 in 1997. Only two years after his breakout performance. Here, director Pete Segal recalls the unforgettable experience of working with him.
Deadline: Farley fans have his SNL skits and this movie to remind us of his combustible talent. How are you feeling on this quarter-century anniversary?
More from DeadlineBart & Fleming: How Pandemic Compares To Other Crises That Shook Hollywood; How Exhibs & Studios Can Use This Moment To Restore Moviegoing MojoCecily Strong To Star In Musical Comedy Nearing Series...
Deadline: Farley fans have his SNL skits and this movie to remind us of his combustible talent. How are you feeling on this quarter-century anniversary?
More from DeadlineBart & Fleming: How Pandemic Compares To Other Crises That Shook Hollywood; How Exhibs & Studios Can Use This Moment To Restore Moviegoing MojoCecily Strong To Star In Musical Comedy Nearing Series...
- 3/31/2020
- by Mike Fleming Jr
- Deadline Film + TV
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