Prepare to delve into the comedic brilliance of Chris Farley, a legendary figure in the history of “Saturday Night Live”. Known for his infectious energy and an unparalleled ability to evoke laughter, Farley left an unforgettable mark on the show and the entertainment landscape as a whole. His sketches, characterized by their physicality, absurdity, and heartwarming vulnerability, continue to resonate with audiences worldwide, cementing his place as one of the greatest comedic performers of all time.
Farley’s genius manifested in a vast repertoire of iconic characters, each embodying a distinct facet of human nature. From the innocent and clueless Matt Foley, Motivational Speaker, to the hilariously self-destructive Hans and Franz, Farley’s creations transcended the realm of mere satire and became cultural touchstones. His performances were not simply comedic; they were deeply human, tapping into universal experiences of joy, pain, and the absurdity of life. Furthermore, Farley’s unwavering commitment to his craft extended beyond the sketch format; he infused every appearance with infectious energy, whether as a co-host of “Weekend Update” or as a musical guest. His ability to connect with audiences on a profound level made every sketch an unforgettable experience.
Beyond his undeniable comedic prowess, Farley possessed a remarkable ability to evoke genuine emotion. Amidst the laughter, his characters often exhibited moments of vulnerability and longing. This juxtaposition created a unique blend of humor and pathos that continues to captivate viewers. Farley’s untimely passing in 1997 left an irreplaceable void in the world of comedy, but his legacy lives on through the countless lives he touched with his laughter and the enduring power of his performances. Today, Chris Farley remains an inspiration to aspiring comedians and a beloved figure whose impact on the entertainment world will forever be celebrated.
Chris Farley’s Iconic “Motivational Speaker” Skit
Chris Farley’s “Motivational Speaker” sketch is widely regarded as one of his most iconic and hilarious performances on Saturday Night Live. In this memorable sketch, Farley plays a hyperactive and over-the-top motivational speaker named Matt Foley who delivers a wildly inappropriate and nonsensical speech to a group of executives.
Farley’s portrayal of Foley is both physically and verbally comedic, featuring exaggerated gestures, a booming voice, and an array of absurd one-liners. Foley’s speech is a nonsensical rant that touches on everything from his love of coffee to his struggles with childhood obesity. Despite the absurdity of his material, Foley delivers it with unwavering enthusiasm and confidence.
One of the most memorable moments in the sketch occurs when Foley becomes increasingly agitated by his inability to motivate the executives. He begins to rant and rave, eventually collapsing on the floor and literally eating the scenery. Farley’s physical comedy in this scene is masterful, and it perfectly encapsulates the character’s unhinged and chaotic nature.
Key Elements of the “Motivational Speaker” Skit:
Physical Comedy:
- Exaggerated gestures
- Flailing arms
- Boisterous movements
Verbal Comedy:
- Absurd one-liners
- Nonsensical speech
- Inappropriate jokes
Character Development:
- Unhinged and chaotic personality
- Unwavering enthusiasm and confidence
- Vulnerability and self-deprecation
The “Motivational Speaker” skit remains one of the most beloved and quotable moments in SNL history. It showcases the genius of Chris Farley, who was able to create a character that was both hilarious and deeply human.
The Hilarious “Matt Foley, Van Down by the River” Sketch
One of the most iconic sketches from Chris Farley’s tenure on SNL is “Matt Foley, Van Down by the River.” This sketch featured Farley as a motivational speaker who had fallen on hard times and was now living in a van down by the river. In the sketch, Farley’s character gives a rambling speech about how he used to be a successful businessman, but he lost everything due to a series of bad decisions. He then tries to motivate the audience by sharing his story and offering advice on how to avoid making the same mistakes he did.
The sketch is a hilarious and heartwarming look at one of Farley’s most memorable characters. It is also a reminder that even when life throws you a curveball, you can always get back up and try again. Here is a sample of some of the most memorable quotes from the sketch:
| Quote |
|---|
| “I’m a motivational speaker. I used to be a successful businessman, but I lost everything due to a series of bad decisions.” |
| “I’ve been living in a van down by the river for the past three months. It’s not easy, but I’m making it work.” |
| “Don’t let your dreams die. Get out there and make them happen.” |
| “And remember, if you ever find yourself down by the river, don’t be afraid to ask for help.” |
Farley’s Unforgettable “Gap Girls” Parody
When Chris Farley graced the stage as Matt Foley, a motivational speaker with a penchant for off-color jokes and unconventional methods, comedic gold was born. The character became an instant classic, delivering memorable lines like “You could’ve been a contender” and “Do you like shoes?” In one particularly hilarious skit, Farley’s Foley took on the iconic Gap Girls commercial, leaving an unforgettable mark on pop culture.
What Made the Skit So Iconic
Farley’s Foley brought his signature physicality and over-the-top delivery to the Gap Girls parody, creating a comedic masterpiece. His portrayal of the characters was spot-on, capturing their youthful energy and playful banter. The skit’s success can also be attributed to Farley’s ability to find humor in everyday situations, as he hilariously parodied the commercial’s iconic song and dance.
The “Gap Girls” Characters
| Name | Actress |
|---|---|
| Sarah | Mindy Cohn |
| Jamie | Patricia Heaton |
The parody featured two “Gap Girls,” Sarah (Mindy Cohn) and Jamie (Patricia Heaton), who had a close friendship and shared a love of dancing. Farley’s Foley, as the “Gap Guy,” joined the girls in their dance routine, adding his own clumsy and chaotic flair to the performance. Together, they created a hilarious and unforgettable moment that left audiences in stitches.
The Absurdity of Chris Farley’s “Pat the Bunny” Skit
Chris Farley’s “Pat the Bunny” skit is a masterpiece of absurdity. The skit features Farley as a man reading a children’s book to a group of children. The book is about a little girl named Bunny who pats a series of animals. Farley reads the book with such over-the-top enthusiasm that he sends the children into fits of laughter.
Farley’s Physical Comedy
Farley’s physical comedy is one of the things that makes the skit so funny. He uses his whole body to express the emotions of the characters in the book. For example, when he reads the line “Bunny pats the dog,” Farley throws his whole body into the patting motion. He also uses his facial expressions to great effect. When he reads the line “The dog barks,” Farley makes a hilarious barking sound and contorts his face into a comical expression of surprise.
Farley’s Vocal Delivery
Farley’s vocal delivery is another key element of the skit’s humor. He uses a variety of different voices to bring the characters in the book to life. For example, he uses a high-pitched voice for Bunny and a deep, booming voice for the dog. He also uses a variety of silly sound effects to add to the humor of the skit.
Farley’s Timing
Farley’s timing is impeccable. He knows exactly when to pause for laughs and when to deliver a punchline. He also knows how to use the space around him to create physical comedy. For example, when he reads the line “Bunny pats the horse,” Farley walks around the stage as if he is patting a horse. He also uses the space around him to create a sense of chaos and excitement.
| Scene | Description |
|---|---|
| Farley enters the stage, dressed as a children’s book author. | He greets the audience and introduces himself. |
| Farley begins reading the book “Pat the Bunny.” | He uses his whole body and a variety of voices to bring the characters in the book to life. |
| The children in the audience laugh hysterically at Farley’s performance. | Farley continues to read the book, adding more and more absurdity to his performance. |
| Farley finishes reading the book and takes a bow. | The audience gives him a standing ovation. |
Farley’s Classic “Van der Beek” Parody
Chris Farley’s portrayal of Dawson’s Creek star James Van der Beek was one of his most iconic characters. Farley’s over-the-top portrayal captured Van der Beek’s youthful charm and his character Dawson Leery’s signature brand of teenage angst.
Farley’s Physical Transformation
Farley’s physical transformation into Van der Beek was remarkable. He shed weight, bleached his hair, and meticulously studied Van der Beek’s mannerisms. The result was an uncanny resemblance that made it hard to believe that it was not Van der Beek himself.
The Van der Beek Monologues
One of the highlights of Farley’s Van der Beek sketches was his monologues. These monologues were often long and rambling, filled with poetic language and philosophical musings. Farley delivered these monologues with a deadpan expression, making them even more hilarious.
The Dawson’s Creek Parody
Farley’s Van der Beek character was often featured in parodies of Dawson’s Creek. These parodies poked fun at the show’s melodramatic plot lines and its teen angst. Farley’s portrayal of Van der Beek in these parodies was spot-on, capturing the character’s whiny and self-absorbed nature.
Cultural Impact
Chris Farley’s Van der Beek parody had a significant cultural impact. It introduced a new generation of viewers to the actor’s comedic talents. The parody also helped to popularize Dawson’s Creek, which became one of the most popular teen dramas of the 1990s.
Legacy
Chris Farley’s Van der Beek parody remains one of his most beloved characters. It is a testament to his incredible comedic talent and his ability to create memorable and hilarious characters. The parody continues to be enjoyed by fans around the world and is a reminder of Farley’s comedic genius.
Notable “Van der Beek” Skits
| Episode | Date | |
|---|---|---|
| Dawson’s Creek (Auditions) | Season 14, Episode 5 | November 15, 1997 |
| Dawson’s Creek (Casting Couch) | Season 14, Episode 7 | December 6, 1997 |
| Dawson’s Creek (The Creek) | Season 14, Episode 9 | December 20, 1997 |
| Dawson’s Creek (The Swan Song) | Season 16, Episode 13 | March 27, 1999 |
The Legendary “David Schwimmer” Skit
Perhaps Farley’s most iconic and memorable sketch, the “David Schwimmer” skit is a masterclass in physical comedy and absurdity. Alongside Adam Sandler, Farley portrayed a pair of immature and incompetent maintenance workers who wreaked havoc upon the NBC studios during a live broadcast.
Unforgettable Moments:
The sketch is remembered for its numerous unforgettable moments, including:
- Farley’s incessant interruptions of Schwimmer’s supposedly serious interview, delivering nonsensical lines like “Megan Trainor” and “Catman.”
- Sandler’s equally bizarre contributions, such as his obsession with “polishing the toilet” and his awkward attempts to apologize for “cutting the cord.”
- Farley’s physicality, as he stumbled and tripped over objects, bumped into walls, and generally created a state of chaos.
- Schwimmer’s deadpan delivery in the face of Farley and Sandler’s buffoonery, adding to the absurdity of the situation.
- The sketch’s unexpected and hilarious ending, with Farley and Sandler disappearing off-camera and Schwimmer being left alone to clean up the mess.
- Farley’s signature catchphrases, “You just got Swimmered!” and “You got Schwimmerized!” which became synonymous with the sketch and cemented Farley’s status as a comedy legend.
Chris Farley’s Hilarious “Lunch Lady” Character
Chris Farley’s “Lunch Lady” character was a beloved and iconic figure on Saturday Night Live. The character was a stereotypical lunch lady, complete with a hairnet, apron, and no-nonsense attitude. Farley’s portrayal of the character was both hilarious and heartwarming, and it quickly became a fan favorite.
Physical Comedy
Farley’s physical comedy was a major part of the character’s appeal. He would often use his large frame to great comic effect, such as when he would chase students around the cafeteria or when he would fall and break into hysterics.
Famous Quotes
The Lunch Lady was also known for her famous quotes, such as “You want some gravy with that?” and “I’m not a lunch lady, I’m a master chef!”
Sketches
The Lunch Lady appeared in numerous sketches on SNL, including a memorable one where she terrorized a group of students who were trying to steal her food. She also appeared in a sketch where she was the judge in a cafeteria food contest.
Legacy
Chris Farley’s “Lunch Lady” character is still beloved today. The character has been referenced in popular culture, including in the movie “Wayne’s World” and the TV show “30 Rock”.
Impact on SNL
The Lunch Lady was a major success for SNL, and it helped to establish Farley as one of the show’s most popular cast members. The character also helped to pave the way for other female comedians to join the show.
Behind the Scenes
The Lunch Lady character was originally inspired by Farley’s own experience as a lunch lady in high school. He would often use his time in the cafeteria to make his classmates laugh.
| Chris Farley’s “Lunch Lady” Character |
|---|
| Hilarious character |
| Known for physical comedy |
| Famous quotes |
| Appeared in numerous sketches |
| Legacy of popularity |
| Impact on SNL |
| Behind-the-scenes inspiration |
The Iconic “Coneheads” Sketch
In the annals of Saturday Night Live history, the “Coneheads” sketch stands as one of the most memorable and beloved. Chris Farley, alongside David Schwimmer and Mike Myers, brought these extraterrestrial visitors to life with their distinctive cone-shaped heads and hilarious misadventures.
The sketch follows the Coneheads as they attempt to assimilate into American society, encountering a series of comical mishaps. Farley’s portrayal of Beldar Conehead, the patriarch of the family, is a masterclass in physical comedy. His exaggerated gestures, bumbling antics, and booming voice made Beldar an instant fan favorite.
The “Coneheads” Family
| Name | Portrayed by |
|---|---|
| Beldar Conehead | Chris Farley |
| Prymaat Conehead | Mike Myers |
| Connie Conehead | Jane Curtin |
| Darcy Conehead | David Schwimmer |
Farley’s Memorable “Total Bastard Airlines” Skit
One of Farley’s most beloved skits centers around the titular “Total Bastard Airlines,” a hilariously dysfunctional airline that provides a truly unforgettable passenger experience. As the skit opens, we see an animated parody of a typical inflight safety video, but with a distinctly twisted edge.
The video features flight attendants who are verbally abusive and physically violent. They insult passengers, grope them, and even unleash a live alligator on an unsuspecting passenger. The passengers themselves are a motley crew of characters, including a screaming child, a drunk man, and a couple who are constantly arguing.
As the skit progresses, the situation aboard the plane becomes increasingly chaotic. The flight attendants go on strike, leaving the passengers to fend for themselves. The overhead bins fall down, crushing passengers beneath them. And finally, the plane itself explodes, sending the hapless passengers flying through the air.
The Departed Lounge
One of the most memorable segments of the “Total Bastard Airlines” skit is the “Departed Lounge,” a surreal and darkly humorous depiction of the afterlife for airline passengers. The lounge is presided over by a sarcastic Grim Reaper, who welcomes the deceased passengers with a dry wit. He offers them free drinks and snacks, as well as a chance to watch their own funerals on live television. Farley’s performance as the Grim Reaper is a tour de force, combining his signature physical comedy with a wicked sense of humor.
Passenger Profiles
The “Total Bastard Airlines” skit features a colorful cast of characters, each with their own unique quirks and eccentricities. Here is a brief breakdown of some of the most memorable passengers:
| Passenger | Notable Characteristics |
|---|---|
| Screaming Child | An incessant screamer who drives the other passengers to distraction |
| Drunk Man | A belligerent drunk who spills beer and harasses the flight attendants |
| Arguing Couple | A couple who is constantly bickering, much to the annoyance of the other passengers |
| Lady with Pet Alligator | A woman who carries a live alligator in her purse and lets it loose on the plane |
The Unforgettable “Bill Swerski’s Superfans”
Chris Farley’s portrayal of Bill Swerski, the boisterous and lovable Chicagoan, left an indelible mark on SNL. His alter ego, alongside Bob Swerski (played by Mike Myers), became synonymous with over-the-top sports fandom.
The “Superfans” sketches poked fun at the rabid enthusiasm of Midwestern sports fans, showcasing their unwavering loyalty and exaggerated reactions. Farley’s exuberant performance and knack for physical comedy brought the characters to life, creating some of the most iconic moments in SNL history.
10. The “Da Bears” Chant
Perhaps the most recognizable aspect of the “Superfans” sketches was their infectious “Da Bears” chant. Led by Farley’s exuberant rendition, the chant became a rallying cry for fans of the Chicago Bears and an anthem for sports enthusiasts everywhere.
| Sketch | Year | Setting |
|---|---|---|
| “Superfan Super Bowl” | 1996 | A pre-game tailgate party |
| “Superfan Cubs World Series” | 1998 | Wrigley Field |
| “Superfan Blackhawks Stanley Cup” | 1992 | A hockey arena |
| “Superfan White Sox World Series” | 2005 | A baseball stadium |
| “Superfan Bulls NBA Finals” | 1997 | A basketball arena |
The “Superfans” sketches not only showcased Farley’s comedic genius but also celebrated the passionate spirit of sports fandom. Whether it was their unabashed love for the Bears or their unyielding support for all Chicago teams, Bill and Bob Swerski became beloved characters that epitomized the joy and camaraderie of sports.
Best SNL Skits of Chris Farley
Chris Farley was a comedic force of nature, and his time on Saturday Night Live produced some of the show’s most memorable and hilarious skits. Here are some of Farley’s best SNL moments:
- “Matt Foley: Motivational Speaker”: Farley played a manic motivational speaker who would often get sidetracked by his own personal problems.
- “Gap Girls”: Farley and Adam Sandler played two clueless Gap employees who were constantly getting into trouble.
- “The Chris Farley Show”: A variety show hosted by Farley, featuring a cast of oddball characters.
- “The Coneheads”: Farley played the lovable and dimwitted Conehead son, Beldar.
- “Tommy Boy”: Farley played the title role of a dim-witted college student who befriends his father’s uptight business partner.
Farley’s infectious energy and physical comedy made him a beloved figure in the world of comedy. His SNL skits continue to be enjoyed by fans around the world.
