Chris Farley

Christopher Crosby Farley (February 15, 1964 - December 18, 1997) was an American actor and comedian, best known as one of the cast members of the popular Saturday Night Live television series.

Farley got his start with Chicago's Second City comedy group. Soon, Farley was discovered by Lorne Michaels, producer of NBC's Saturday Night Live. Michaels hired Farley to join the cast and he immediately became one of the most popular cast members during the 1991 to 1995 seasons. Appearing on the show was a dream come true for Farley, who idolized comedian and former cast member, John Belushi.

Farley left the show in 1995 and made several movies with fellow former SNL cast member, David Spade. The two starred in 1995's Tommy Boy and 1996's Black Sheep. Farley also made apperances in other films, such as Coneheads in 1993, Wayne's World 2 in 1993, Adam Sandler's Billy Madison in 1995, Beverly Hills Ninja in 1997, and Norm MacDonald's Dirty Work on 1998.

Farley, who had struggled with alcohol and drug addiction for years, was found dead in his Chicago apartment on December 18, 1997. An autopsy revealed that Farley had died of an accidental overdose of cocaine and heroin, with coronary arteriosclerosis being a contributing factor.