Chris Farley’s cousin, Jim Farley, the CEO of Ford, was left reeling when he found out about the tragic death of his relative, Chris Farley, through a radio broadcast. Despite being aware of Chris’s struggles, the news of his passing came as a devastating blow to Jim Farley. Chris Farley, a beloved comedian, passed away at the young age of 33 on December 18, 1997, due to a drug overdose, just two years after his notable stint on ‘Saturday Night Live.’
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Jim Farley, now 62, reminisced about his relationship with Chris and shed light on the challenges that came with fame for the late comedian. He described Chris as the family’s certified goofball, always ready to bring laughter with his carefree and fun-loving personality. Jim recalled incidents where Chris would take over gatherings or even initiate a spontaneous food fight, like the memorable Cinnabon fight at the Chicago O’Hare Airport. Despite his larger-than-life persona, Chris struggled with the pressures of fame, leading him to turn to drugs and alcohol as coping mechanisms.
The responsibilities of maintaining a constant comedic persona in public took a toll on Chris’s mental health, causing him to feel overwhelmed. Jim Farley shared that while Chris found joy in making people laugh and brightening their lives through comedy, the constant pressure to be humorous on demand weighed heavily on him. Jim often found himself being the one Chris would turn to for help, whether it was accompanying him to events, seeking guidance, or providing support during rehab stints as Chris battled substance abuse.
When Jim’s career led him to Europe, he was unable to provide the same level of support to Chris, who spiraled out of control. It was during this time that Jim received the heartbreaking news of Chris’s death over the radio while driving to work in Brussels, just a week before Christmas. The sudden loss of his cousin left Jim devastated, as he reflected on Chris’s remarkable ability to connect with people through his comedy and his innate talent for bringing joy to those around him.
Despite the passage of nearly 28 years since Chris’s untimely death, Jim Farley continues to honour his cousin’s memory. Alongside his role as Ford’s CEO, Jim has contributed his time and resources to the Pope Francis Center in Detroit. In 2024, when the center inaugurated a new facility, Jim chose to dedicate a classroom for Narcotics Anonymous and Alcoholics Anonymous meetings in Chris Farley’s name. This gesture serves as a testament to Chris’s legacy and the impact he had on people through his humour and talent.
Jim Farley expressed his belief that Chris would have been pleased to know that he is remembered for his comedy and not just for his struggles with addiction. The thought that people still enjoy watching ‘Tommy Boy,’ a film that showcases Chris’s comedic genius, brings comfort to Jim. Despite the tragedy of Chris Farley’s demise, his memory lives on, cherished by those who knew and admired him for his infectious laughter and comedic brilliance.