The Chris Farley Show

A Biography in Three Acts

By: Tom Farley, Tanner Colby

Narrated by: Therese Plummer, L. J. Ganser, Mark Boyett

Length: 9 hrs and 51 mins

Publisher's summary

The New York Times best-selling biography of an American comedy legend.

After three years of sobriety, Chris Farley's life was at its creative peak until a string of professional disappointments chased him back to drugs and alcohol. He fought hard against them, but it was a fight he would lose in December 1997. Farley's fans immediately drew parallels between his death and that of his idol, John Belushi. Without looking deeper, however, many failed to see that Farley was much more than just another Hollywood drug overdose. In this officially authorized oral history, Farley's friends and family remember his work and life. Along the way, they tell a remarkable story of boundless energy, determination, and laughter that could only keep the demons at bay for so long.

©2008 Tom Farley, Junior, and Tanner Colby (P)2013 Audible, Inc.

Critic reviews

“the newly released audiobook edition of The Chris Farley Show, an oral biography co-edited by Farley’s brother Tom and journalist Tanner Colby, is full of reminders of how close he had already come to a mid-career breakthrough. ( Salon)

Gentle Soul

What made the experience of listening to The Chris Farley Show the most enjoyable?

Remembering his talent. The way he could just take over a scene in SNL and make Spade go nuts.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Chris Farley Show?

The quote early in the book, "The greatest fear of an addict is to be abandoned". It could not be more accurate.

Which scene was your favorite?

The precious stories of his family moments with his brothers. I also connect with an Irish Catholic family. Brought back memories. I also found the importance he placed on church and giving back was admirable. He could have meant so much to so many.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Of course, but it was not possible.

Any additional comments?

Such a massive talent, and such a tragic end. In a way I think he could have been very happy if he stayed in Madison with all that was familiar to him. The rapid assent to celebrity just threw him off balance and he could not course correct.

Surprising and extremely well executed.

Probably the best audiobook I've listened to in the last year. Breezed through it at an unprecedented pace. Having four kids doesn't leave much time for audiobooks, but I always know it's a good one when I force myself to listen at every single opportunity.

I've always had a soft spot for Chris Farley so I'm sure that makes me biased.

Amazing structure of the book with multiple people's angles on the same incidents or periods in Chris's life. The narrators even seems to hit a voice resembling the few celebrity voices I already knew.

A mix of the laughs you expect and pain you don't.

The narative of the sorry expertly weaves a beautiful tapestry that truly honors the legacy of Chris. There's also much to be learned here, and the emotions run high at intervals. I cannot recommend the story enough.

AWESOME

What a great memorial to a comedic genius. I strongly recommend this work. buy it.

I knew I loved him & now I know why.

Heartwarming & heartbreaking. Real stories from the real people who knew him & loved him, all of him.

he died in my 17th birthday

I was so sad when he went to the Great Beyond. To me Chris was a god of comedy, I really liked listening to this about his fears shoes and failures makes me miss him even more. I know it's said over over and over but there will never be another Chris Farley.

Hilariously Depressing

This book was prepared very well with narration to match. I enjoyed the personal interview motif, and the curation was very well done.

I learned a lot about Chris Farley's life and it my appreciation grew deeply after listening to this book. If you cared about Chris Farley, this book will make you cry. I actually had a nightmare about him after I finished it.

Sad

The story of Chris Farley is written honestly with love. I listened to learn more about his life. However the performance of the male reader is not great. Clear distinction of who has written the sections are not apparent until half way through the book and he lacks inflection in his voice. The female voice performance was great as was the narrator of the biographical aspects.

great

I loved it. I was still in my late teens when Chris died, and remember how shocked and sad I was to hear he passed away. All that sadness and emotion came flooding back at the end of this book. As an adult now, I cant help but wonder what Chris would be doing now, as far as comedy. I'm sure he would still be making us laugh in movies. Its so sad that his addiction was too much for him to overcome. It took him from all of us who truly loved his characters. Obviously his close friends and family were most important, but for those of us who didn't know him personally, it's still a tremendous loss that he's gone. The years he was on SNL were my favorite years. I'll never forget Chris Farley, RIP...

Funny & Sad

The grips of addiction held him hostage. Tom Farley does an excellent job narrating. Some of the stories told about Chris had me laughing.