“Despite how often Hollywood's self-destructive history repeats itself and the tragic deaths of colossal talents such as Farley, no one seems to be paying attention.”

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BOOK REVIEW April 07, 2008 E-mail this to a friend »
The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts



By Tom Farley, Jr. and Tanner Colby

Viking, 368 pages, Hardcover$26.95
Reviewed by Carmela Ciuraru

In The Chris Farley Show, editors Tom Farley Jr. (Chris's older brother) and Tanner Colby offer an oral history chronicling the explosive comedian's manic journey to Saturday Night Live stardom and his 1997 death at 33 of a drug overdose. Farley had no shortage of support, and admirers such as Chris Rock and Alec Baldwin marvel at his energy and devotion. Yet Farley resisted moderation and multiple interventions from family and friends. The compilation of direct quotes from his loved ones makes for powerful reading and provides a more forceful reminder of how terrifying addiction can be. But despite how often Hollywood's self-destructive history repeats itself and the tragic deaths of colossal talents such as Farley, no one seems to be paying attention. "We saw him drinking," says David Spade, "but then everyone was drinking, so who cares?"

The Last Days of Chris Farley

Fueled by drugs and insecurity, a relentless performer found the demands of success impossible to juggle

Over the course of several seasons on Saturday Night Live and the success of several theatrical blockbusters, Chris Farley established himself as the new John Belushi, the contemporary king of oversize manic comedians. Like Belushi, Farley's struggles with drugs and alcohol gave him an edge that simmered under the surface of characters such as his Chippendales Dancer and the van-dwelling Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker. When it came, Farley's death seemed like a sad cliché -- however, it was anything but for those closest to him who watched his descent tragically, inexorably unfold.

To read an excerpt from the forthcoming book The Chris Farley Show, access the entire May 2008 digital issue right now »

Visit the book's website for more information »

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