Abstract This paper explains that both comics John Belushi and Chris Farley followed the same path from Chicago Improv to breakout stardom on "Saturday Night Live" (SNL), relying on manic energy, pratfalls and their considerable girth to get laughs. The author points out that both comedians had stellar careers not only on SNL but also in films and other platforms; however, they had overwhelming appetites for food, drugs, alcohol and women. The paper relates that Belushi was the first to die at age 33 followed by Chris Farley's death also at age 33; both deaths were related to drug usage.
Table of Contents
Introduction
John Belushi
Chris Farley
Similarities
From the Paper "Chris was born to Tom and Mary Anne Farley in Madison, Wisconsin on February 15, 1964. He described himself as a "teacher's nightmare" at Marquette University, where he graduated with a degree in communications and theatre. After Marquette, he performed with the Ark Improv Theatre group and studying under legendary director Del Close (John Belushi and John Candy both worked under Close as well) at the Improv Olympic Theatre. Chris was performing at Second City Theatre in the late eighties when he was discovered by SNL producer Lorne Michaels. Lorne brought him to the cast of Saturday Night Live in the 1990-91 season."
