Twenty-eight years after the death of comedian Chris Farley, his brother Tom Farley is reflecting publicly on the actor’s remarkable energy, humor and humanity.
Farley, a standout performer on “Saturday Night Live” and a rising film star in the 1990s, died at age 33 of an apparent drug overdose in his Chicago apartment on December 18, 1997. His death shocked the comedy world and remains one of Hollywood’s most tragic losses.
Brother remembers the man behind the character
In a recent interview with PEOPLE, Tom Farley said the anniversary renews public memories of Chris Farley’s work, but also personal memories of his younger brother.
“People come up to me all the time and say, ‘I miss your brother.’ It’s like, yeah, they miss the celebrity, they miss the laughter — as I do. But I want them to miss the brother I miss,” Tom said.
Tom described Chris not only as a beloved comedian but as a playful spirit from childhood, reminding listeners that his famous characters were rooted in real-life behavior.
“Every time he showed up in a skit on SNL, I’m like, ‘Oh, he used to do that in front of our aunts and uncles,’” Tom recalled.
He shared stories from their youth, including a Disneyland prank Chris once played on their father, illustrating how naturally he embraced comedy long before entering show business.
A legacy marked by creativity, struggle, and faith
Chris Farley rose to fame with unforgettable SNL sketches and roles in films such as “Tommy Boy” and “Black Sheep.” Yet Tom acknowledged that his brother faced addiction struggles while maintaining his public persona.
Since Chris’s passing, Tom has become a mental health and substance-abuse prevention advocate. He currently works as the community outreach director for Recovery.com and frequently speaks about destigmatizing addiction.
Tom also emphasized Chris’s deep religious beliefs, describing faith as an overlooked aspect of his personality.
“He had more faith than anyone — like he was always going to church,” Tom said.
He continued, “We were camp counselors in college, and just to watch Chris… he was like the Pied Piper, just leading these kids on these adventures. He was Peter Pan.”
Fans continue to honor Farley
Each year, fans revisit Farley’s iconic sketches, interviews, and performances, sharing memories online. Many acknowledge not only his comedic genius but the vulnerability behind his work.
Tom says public affection brings comfort, yet also highlights the complex legacy of someone known for laughter but lost too young.
Chris Farley’s death remains a reminder of the toll addiction can take even on the brightest talents. For family and fans, the anniversary rekindles admiration for his contributions while prompting conversations about recovery and mental-health support.
