With the recent release of “I Am Chris Farley”, I began to reminisce about growing up watching movies like Tommy Boy or Almost Heroes. I remember getting “the Best of Chris Farley” from his time on Saturday Night Live when I was 14 and while writing this, I even had it on in the background for inspiration.
Matt Foley – Motivational Speaker
“I live in a van down by the river,” a quote that everyone should know, if they do not, you should not be friends with that person. This high-energy, pessimistic “motivational” speaker exemplified Chris’s comedic style. This recurring role, which made us all laugh whenever it was on, was a staple for SNL during the Farley years.
Tommy Boy - Tommy Callahan
One of his best known and most quoted movies, the lovable loser son of the boss showed us what was wrong with spoiling your kids but that a good heart will get you far in life. If you have not seen this movie, what are you doing with your life?
Chippendales Dancers – with Patrick Swayze, another great SNL moment with two late actors. You would think that Swayze would have won hands down but Farley did not hold back. I will be honest, I did not know what Chippendales was when I first saw this sketch and had to ask my parents, talk about embarrassing…
Bill Swerski’s Super Fans – Todd O’Connor
The overweight Chicago sports fan with a two-sided hat and a coconut bra- hula dance had one too many heart attacks. These superfans also had a concerning love for Chicago sports when the Bulls and Bears were experiencing a great deal of success, with superstars and championships. They ate and drank too much, and got to talk with sports stars, every arm-chair quarterbacks’ dream.
Billy Madison – Bus Driver
While it was not a huge role, those sideburns and the Veronica Vaughn scene were memorable. Reunited with Sandler, Farley’s role provided another element of laughter, the disgruntled bus driver.
The Chris Farley Show – Himself as Host
The awkward host that could not seem to get a smooth interview, his “Remember…” used to crack me up, it was like me trying to interview celebrities. He would let us know what was awesome and was constantly off topic.
Bennett Brauer – Color Commentary
He is not “the norm” or “hygienic”, but he did make us fall in love with another lovable loser. He had high intensity and did not care what people thought of him.
This is not as big of a mainstream role but alongside Matthew Perry, this duo beat Lewis and Clark to the Pacific. Sad fact, I actually thought that this was true at one point and attempted to correct one of my teachers with this knowledge when in elementary school. I recommend this film to anyone who has not yet seen it, it is one of his last releases and you will not be disappointed.
Chris Farley had many roles and they were all in your face, loud, and highly energetic. That is not to say that he did not have a vast range of acting ability but it was what people came to love about him. Sadly, this fast living would eventually lead to his demise. He still has the ability to make us laugh, even years after his early death, next time you pull out an old flick, make it a Farley classic.
