Like many of you, I grew up watching Chris Farley on big and small screens. Whether it was the bit parts in comedy movies starring his more successful (at the time) Saturday Night Live co-stars, his scene-stealing characters on the same late-night skit show, or his starring movie roles alongside David Spade, Farley's comedic talent always loomed large. He seemed impossible to ignore, an unstoppable force of physical comedy (and surprisingly agility) who was destined for greatness. But rather than following in the footsteps of comedians who went on to long and successful careers, Farley's path to an early death due to a drug overdose closely resembled that of his comedy idol, John Belushi.
While it's easy to get choked up wondering "What could have been?" for the 33-year-old star, a new documentary looks to revisit his legacy in a biography that explores Farley's life, character, and career through the recollections of those who knew him best. Mike Myers, Adam Sandler, Bob Odenkirk, Bob Saget, Christina Applegate and more join David Spade, Farley's brother Kevin Farley, and even Lorne Michaels to remember the late comedian, in good times and bad.
We have the first trailer from the doc below, courtesy of Buzzfeed. Check it out.
From the press release for Network Entertainment's documentary, I Am Chris Farley:
Before his untimely death at only 33 years of age, Farley left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry through his groundbreaking work on television in both Second City and Saturday Night Live, as well as a thriving feature film career, where he was known for a uniquely bold and energetic comedic style that cemented him as a key player in a movement that evolved and redefined the comedic genre. The film will follow in the tradition of Network's award winning documentaries on iconic individuals, including Muhammad Ali, Bruce Lee and Steve McQueen.
"The world has yet to hear the full story about our beloved brother and son," said Kevin Farley, one of Chris' brothers, "and we look forward to working with the team at Network to bring Chris' inspiring, funny and tragic story to his many fans, as well as introducing him to a whole new generation of comedy fans."
"In his short life, Chris Farley was able to create a family of characters that have endeared him to comedy fans throughout the world," adds Network CEO Derik Murray, "We very much look forward to working with Kevin and the rest of the Farley family to recount Chris' life and work, and the impact he had on all those around him, in an authentic, moving, and of course very funny, way."
I Am Chris Farley opens in limited theatrical release on July 31st, and will be available on VOD and DVD on August 11th.
