News (Media Awareness Project) - US CA: Wire: Chris Farley Remembered As A Loyal Friend Who Helped Many Kick Drug |
| Title: | US CA: Wire: Chris Farley Remembered As A Loyal Friend Who Helped Many Kick Drug |
| Published On: | 1998-01-13 |
| Source: | Associated Press |
| Fetched On: | 2008-09-07 17:06:13 |
CHRIS FARLEY REMEMBERED AS A LOYAL FRIEND WHO HELPED MANY KICK DRUG HABIT
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) -- Comic Chris Farley, who died from an
accidental drug overdose after helping others kick their drug habits, was
remembered during a memorial Monday as a rambunctious performer who is
``starting a new comedy club in heaven.''
``You can hear the angels laughing right now because of him,'' said the
Rev. Michael Rocha, speaking before hundreds at Saint Monica Catholic Church.
Among those attending the public memorial were Gary Busey, Jay Leno, Ben
Stiller and Jim Belushi, whose brother John Belushi was Farley's idol. John
Belushi also died of an overdose at age 33.
Farley, a cast member on ``Saturday Night Live'' from 1990-95, was found
dead Dec. 18 in his Chicago apartment.
The 296-pound, 5-foot-8 actor comedian died from an accidental overdose of
morphine and cocaine, with a narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart
muscle also a significant contributing factor, according to the medical
examiner's findings.
Farley's big appetite, wild lifestyle and over-the-top comedy prompted
inevitable comparisons to John Belushi.
``He was every bit as brave as his idols, John Belushi and Jackie
Gleason,'' said actor Tom Arnold, who delivered the eulogy.
Farley was a loyal friend who helped countless others struggling with drug
dependencies, including his brother Kevin Farley, Arnold said.
``He helped a lot of people during his sobriety, including me and hundreds
of strangers who he shared his experience, strength and hope with,'' Arnold
said. ``His brother, Kevin, who just celebrated four years of (being) clean
and sober, knows and told me he couldn't have done it without Chris.''
The crowd erupted in laughter when Arnold recalled the time Farley showed
up at his son's black-tie bar mitzvah in a powder-blue tuxedo and flirted
with all the women, including the rabbi's wife.
``So long, Chris, we will miss your laugh and your beautiful blue eyes,''
said Arnold, his voice shaking with emotion. ``But most of all, we will
miss your humanity.''
SANTA MONICA, Calif. (AP) -- Comic Chris Farley, who died from an
accidental drug overdose after helping others kick their drug habits, was
remembered during a memorial Monday as a rambunctious performer who is
``starting a new comedy club in heaven.''
``You can hear the angels laughing right now because of him,'' said the
Rev. Michael Rocha, speaking before hundreds at Saint Monica Catholic Church.
Among those attending the public memorial were Gary Busey, Jay Leno, Ben
Stiller and Jim Belushi, whose brother John Belushi was Farley's idol. John
Belushi also died of an overdose at age 33.
Farley, a cast member on ``Saturday Night Live'' from 1990-95, was found
dead Dec. 18 in his Chicago apartment.
The 296-pound, 5-foot-8 actor comedian died from an accidental overdose of
morphine and cocaine, with a narrowing of the arteries supplying the heart
muscle also a significant contributing factor, according to the medical
examiner's findings.
Farley's big appetite, wild lifestyle and over-the-top comedy prompted
inevitable comparisons to John Belushi.
``He was every bit as brave as his idols, John Belushi and Jackie
Gleason,'' said actor Tom Arnold, who delivered the eulogy.
Farley was a loyal friend who helped countless others struggling with drug
dependencies, including his brother Kevin Farley, Arnold said.
``He helped a lot of people during his sobriety, including me and hundreds
of strangers who he shared his experience, strength and hope with,'' Arnold
said. ``His brother, Kevin, who just celebrated four years of (being) clean
and sober, knows and told me he couldn't have done it without Chris.''
The crowd erupted in laughter when Arnold recalled the time Farley showed
up at his son's black-tie bar mitzvah in a powder-blue tuxedo and flirted
with all the women, including the rabbi's wife.
``So long, Chris, we will miss your laugh and your beautiful blue eyes,''
said Arnold, his voice shaking with emotion. ``But most of all, we will
miss your humanity.''
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