Out-Of-Control Facts About Chris Farley, The One We Lost Too Soon
He Wanted To Be Like His Idol
It was easy for comedic actor Chris Farley to plan out his career. You see, very early in his life he’d decided who his role model was. The problem was that the celebrity he chose was a fellow comedian whose disastrous life choices had led to a tragic and early demise.
Sadly, Farley seemed destined to repeat every mistake his idol made.
1. He Was A Good Boy
Chris Farley was born on February 15, 1964, and grew up in the village of Maple Bluff, Wisconsin and attended parochial schools in nearby Madison. Farley was a good boy, who, according to one cast member at Second City, never missed a Mass.
But not everything was sunshine and roses during his childhood.
2. They Teased Him
Because Farley was overweight while growing up, the other children at school mercilessly teased him. They called him names like “Fatso” and “Chubby”. The only good thing that came out of this is that Farley honed his comedy skills as a way to diffuse the name-calling.
He may have been overweight, but Farley excelled at sports.
3. He Was More Than Just Funny
While studying at Marquette University, Farley discovered a love of sport. Here he played the rather dangerous game of rugby where his large size was an asset.
Farley eventually graduated from university with majors in both communications and theater.
After university, Farley didn’t exactly use what he learned.
4. He Worked A Real Job
Farley's father—Thomas John Farley Sr—had his own oil company. This was where Farley had his first job out of university, but he hadn’t forgotten about his love of performing.
He dove into improvisational comedy at the Ark Improv Theater in Madison.
He didn't realize it yet, but Farley had found his calling—and the thing that would kill him.
