Chris Farley is widely regarded as one of the most iconic “Saturday Night Live” cast members in history. However, “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels did not always allow him on the set of the popular late-night sketch show. Susan Morrison, the author of “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” revealed during a recent interview on Dax Shepard’s “Armchair Expert” podcast (via Entertainment Weekly) that Michaels implemented stricter rules regarding alcohol and drug use among the cast after the death of John Belushi in 1982.
Morrison explained that Belushi’s passing deeply affected Michaels, prompting him to change his approach and emphasize the importance of looking out for one another within the cast. This shift in perspective also applied to Farley, who was struggling with addiction issues at the time. Michaels would call Farley into his office to address his substance abuse problems and provide support.
According to Morrison, Farley found these interactions with Michaels to be a mix of excitement and apprehension, akin to being called to the principal’s office. Despite Michaels’ efforts to help Farley by temporarily banning him from the show and sending him to rehabilitation programs, Farley continued to struggle with his addiction.
Tragically, on December 18, 1997, Farley passed away from an overdose involving cocaine and heroin, the same drugs that claimed Belushi’s life 15 years earlier. This devastating loss came just two months after Farley had returned to host “Saturday Night Live.” Michaels had hoped that by taking the show away from Farley, it would make a lasting impact on him.
The legacy of Chris Farley continues to be celebrated, but his struggles with addiction and the efforts made by Lorne Michaels to support him serve as a reminder of the challenges faced by individuals in the entertainment industry.
