Everyone knows Chris Farley. But there is more to him than Fat Guy in a Little Coat."" ""The Chris Farley Show"" is the intriguing biography written by those who knew him for far more than his ""fatty fall down"" humor.
Co-authored by Farley's older brother, ""The Chris Farley Show"" is written as a collection of anecdotes. Stories come from coworkers, friends and family who played significant roles throughout his life. While the stories from celebrities like David Spade and Chris Rock are entertaining, the quotes from his family and childhood friends reveal a side of Chris Farley most fans have never seen.
A surprising theme that runs throughout the biography is Farley's active religious life. In several recollections, friends say Farley would attend church three to four times a week, partly to combat his various addictions. He attended Catholic school all his life - except for a brief semester at UW-Madison after he was expelled from Marquette. In fact, one of his most popular characters, ""Matt Foley, motivational speaker"" was named after a priest he befriended in college.
Other stories describe his zest for life, his incredible talent for physical and improvised comedy, and his deep devotion to family. But for all the hilarious stories and personal success, it is Farley's struggle with addiction that captivates the reader. One can't help but hope it will all work out, even though it's well known how the story ends.
When the years of rehab and relapse, sobriety and addiction are described in such detail, Farley's ups and downs have a certain emotional power. The book jumps from moments that will make readers laugh out loud to times that will make their eyes water. It is an emotional and compelling piece, even if not written in a common style.
The book itself is loosely structured. When beginning the book, the series of anecdotes loosely held together under each chapter can be irritating, but readers can quickly adjust to this. The short stories also make for a quick read (the book is barely over 300 pages). There are enough grammatical and stylistic errors to drive the average editor insane, but the flaws - much like those of the actor himself - are what make the book endearing.
""The Chris Farley Show"" also has special appeal to Madison readers. Farley was a Madison native, and while not much is said about his semester at UW-Madison, there are several stories of the student unions, Lake Mendota and other Madison landmarks. There are also sections of pictures in the book, showing his time with the Edgewood football team and his beginnings in comedy at the Ark Improvisational Theatre in Madison.
Overall, ""The Chris Farley Show"" has a surprising emotional appeal. While readers are treated to the many hilarious stories from his friends and family, the book also opens up the darker side of Farley that drugs and alcohol created. It is a book that will stay with readers, even if many of the short stories it contains do not.
