Exhibit to showcase life of Chris Farley
The roller coaster life of Madison native Chris Farley, who starred on Saturday Night Live and in movies before his untimely death at age 33 will be the subject of the Wisconsin Historical Society's latest exhibit at its downtown museum.
Farley was born in Madison in 1964 and grew up here before enrolling at Marquette University in Milwaukee where he studied theatre and communications. After finishing school Farley went on to join the Second City Theatre in Chicago where he was discovered by Lorne Michaels, producer of Saturday Night Live.
Farley's popularity blossomed as he appeared on that show for five years, and as he began to appear in movies.
"But behind the facade of this comedic tour-de-force was a deadly combination of insecurity, addiction and denial, says the Wisconsin Historical Museum in its description of its exhibit, titled "Chris Farley Remembered."
The exhibit, which opens Tuesday, and runs through November, uses many of the props from Farley's professional life as well as articles from his personal and private life to take you through the various stages of his life and career.
"From comedic camp counselor to the star of television and the box office, his artifacts weave the story of a down-to-earth Wisconsin boy and worldwide celebrity who never forgot his roots," the museum says.
Among the highlights of his professional life is the jacket and tie Farley wore in "Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker" segments on SNL. Also on display is the blazer from "Black Sheep" showing road wear from the grocery store parking lot scene where Farley's character is dragged behind a car.
A samurai sword from "Beverly Hills Ninja," will also be in the collection as will a jacket he wore in "Tommy Boy," which he made in 1995 with his SNL comic partner David Spade.
Farley died Dec. 18, 1997, in his apartment in Chicago from an accidental drug overdose, at the age of 33, and was found the next day by his brother John.
A special event at he exhibit will be an appearance on June 5 at 5:30 p.m. by Chris' brother Tom Farley, who will discuss his new book "The Chris Farley Show: A Biography in Three Acts." Tom Farley will discuss growing up with Chris and living with his legacy. Tom is president and managing director of the Chris Farley Foundation, which educates young people about substance abuse and addiction.
The Historical Society Museum is located at 30 North Carroll Street on the Capital Square and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
File photo
Wisconsin Historical Society's latest exhibit will feature the late Chris Farley.
