Hey reddit, Actor/Comedian Kevin Farley here! Ask me anything!
Hi reddit, it’s Kevin Farley here to answer your questions. Today is the release of the documentary “I Am Chris Farley”, which you can check out on iTunes VOD, or on good old fashioned DVD or Blu-ray.
Proof: http://i.imgur.com/mpUWHTr.jpg
2Gether on MTV was a guilty pleasure of mine. I always feel like it’s an underrated parody show. What was it like on the set and why do you think it had trouble reaching a larger audience?
I loved 2gether, and hope we can make more music one day. It was totally underrated.
“Sister’ is a VERY underrated song.
What period of life do you think Chris was most at peace?
Probably while shooting Tommy Boy.
What was working on Joe Dirt like? How often do you talk to Spade?
I golf with Spade once a month, and Joe Dirt was blast. The scene I had..I had to stick a tampon up my butt, but I didn’t actually do it. But it was fun.
What did you think of the audio recordings of Chris’ recording sessions for Shrek that were released this week? Had you heard them before?
I had never heard them before, but I thought they were fascinating.
When is the 2ge+her reunion happening? Or should I just give up hope?
Ask Noah Bastian.
How often do you see Norm Macdonald these days? what were the best things he ended up teaching you about standup?
He is the best at learning to relax and let a joke breath.
Loved the film; watched it last night and it was wonderful. Do you recall the last time you spoke with Chris on the phone or in person before his passing? Did he talk about any projects he was really excited to be working on?
He was working on a movie about Fatty Arbuckle.
Could you beat Norm Macdonald in an arm wrestling contest?
yes for sure
Kevin, the scene where Bob Saget cries while talking about Chris in “I am Chris Farley” is pretty intense. Was he the only one to shed a tear during the interviews? Why was the scene chosen and not re-edited?
I think a lot of people were emotional when they talked to us about Chris, we just choose Bob because of that particular thing he said.
“The Chris Farley Show” was a terrific read. It was hard to believe the giant career ups and downs and struggle with addiction all took place inside a few years. How much of a roller coaster did it feel like at the time?
It was an intense period in the 90’s. Very hard, and very exiting at the same time.
Any advice for someone who wants to move to Chicago and take classes at Second City?
do it. Chicago is the best place to learn, because you don’t have the eye of NY or LA. You don’t have the film or the TV industry, or broadway. It’s smaller, you can learn. You can make mistakes.
Who is your second favorite SNL cast member ever?
Will Ferrell
Your most fond memory of Chris?
His energy. I miss him every single day. I don’t have one single memory.
I have a million.
Did you go to the ’84 Bounce Off at Laguna Beach?
Yes, that was my one line in Black Sheep, which I will forever be known for.
If you were to choose one: Kids in the Hall, Monty Python, or SCTV?
Wow.
That’s a good question. I think SCTV. Groundbreaking. They were groundbreaking. SCTV.
I’m really looking forward to the documentary. Was it difficult for you working on this and hearing everyone recount their stories of Chris?
It was difficult but nice to hear them say such nice things.
How do you feel about the documentary as whole? Do you think it does Chris justice, and are you happy with how his life was portrayed?
I love the Doc.
Your father’s influence of Chris’ life and appetites was written about clearly in “The Chris Farley Show.” How frustrating was his influence? Did you have any bitterness that he wouldn’t push Chris to get help with the rest of the family? I guess my question is, can you describe the complexities of his influence and how your feelings have evolved?
Chris loved my Dad, and Dad helped Chris the best he could. It was a tragic ending, but I am looking back in fondness for both men. They did the best they could.
Did you lose a lot of mutual friends when you lost Chris?
No. I remain close with everyone.
Favorite place to grab a beer in Madison?
Willow’s Tavern.
To Appomattox looks intense. Is it going to be something like Band of Brothers for the US Civil War? Where is it at in its production?
I’m hoping it’ll be shooting next year.
Who is your all-time favorite pro wrestler?
Andre the giant. Although I loved Rowdy Roddy Piper.
Do you make it back to Madison much these days?
I was just there. We showed the movie to my mom, and yesterday the mayor declared it “Chris Farley Day”
How hard is it for you to hear about Chris’ passing, and how do you cope with it? Obviously death it a part of life, but many people cope best with privacy and having time to heal. I’d imagine that privacy and time to heal doesn’t exist when your sibling is a Hollywood star, and you’re forced to relive it on a daily basis. I’ve always wondered how this impacts the family left behind.
I will admit, that is difficult, but I try to accept the way things are the best I can. The fact is he is a public figure, and the fact is he died a very public death. I can’t get away from that, therefore I try to accept it and deal with it the best I can.
Heard a old stern show episode with you and norm on it. Any crazy stories about you and Norm Mcdonald?
Norm is the funniest person in the world.
Can you pull back the curtain a bit? What is he like day to day? I get the sense he is a bit of a hermit?
He loves golf…. a lot…
What actor(s)/comedian(s) would you most like to work with (that you haven’t already)?
Louis C.K. and Will Ferrell. I like their styles, I like their sense of humor.
Any sequels coming to Paranormal Movie?
Good question! You saw that? You’re the only one who saw it. I think we’re one and done on that one, but I had fun making it.
Will you be at Iowa vs Wisconsin football this year at Camp Randall? If so, can I grab a beer with you?
I’ll try to make it home for one game, that might be it.
I saw the documentary “I Am Chris Farley” last night. Did you always want to be an actor/comedian before Chris’s death? How did his career influence yours?
I have been acting twenty years, and still love it. Chris inspired me.
What’s the best advice you have ever received?
Best piece of advice? I don’t know. I think just keep a sense of humor about everything, including yourself. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
You are a pretty well employed actor, several jobs a year. In general, what is the lifestyle of someone in your position like? You aren’t private jets and mansions I guess, but what would someone entering the profession expect to find if they were lucky enough to reach your level of success?
rejection and ridicule. Just kidding. I love what I do, and would do anything else.
What was it like working with Larry David? Can we expect to see you in more shows or movies in the future?
I loved working with Larry. I worked with him on Curb Your Enthusiasm, I’d love to work with him again, he’s a genius at everything he does.
What’s the most humorous Hollywood movie according to you, sir?
Hmm…
Recently..I just watched Wanderlust with Jennifer Aniston and Paul Rudd. I really liked it.
Of all time? I think I liked “Sideways”, it’s an awesome movie.
What is the biggest “oh shit I really fucked up” moment of your life?
Hmm, I can’t think of one, but my publicist said her biggest “oh shit” moment is when her mom caught her peeing on the of her house after a dave matthews concert.
I don’t know if I can top that.
What’s your favorite breakfast food?
Eggs, over easy.
Were you aware of Chris’s addiction which led to his death?
I was aware and tried to help.
Who are your favorite standups? Do you listen to WTF? Any favorite episodes there?
I don’t listen to WTF a lot, but i like Norm Macdonald, I like David Spade, and Big Jay Oakerson.
If Chris were around today, how do you think his career would be going?
He would have made a serious movie or TV show.
So I heard you ran into Howard Stern’s Sour Shoes…Would you ever interview at Howard Stern, and what did you think of him?
I did, at the green room at Howard Stern. I love Howard Stern and would interview him in a minute!
Are there any special features on the DVD copy of “I Am Chris Farley” that you can tell us about? Maybe some interview clips that didn’t make it into the final film?
Yeah, there’s some great extra stories and interviews on the DVD.
I heard that you’re a Republican. What are the three most important issues to you that have led you to identify as a Republican?
I am not a republican. I have grown to look at politics as disgusting, and too bought and paid for. I don’t like politics.
