Before becoming a standout among the cast of Saturday Night Live and starring in films like Tommy Boy and Black Sheep, comedian Chris Farley performed in places like the Red Arrow Camp, the Arc Theatre in Wisconsin and The Second City in Chicago. Those early adventures with his brother Kevin will be explored in a new graphic novel Growing Up Farley, coming next fall from Z2 Comics.
“Laughter was always a big part of growing up Farley,” Kevin Farley said in the press release. “I’m excited to partner with the team at Z2 Comics to share all the humor and humanity of growing up with my brother, Chris, in 1970s Madison, Wisconsin and the huge influence our Dad had on our decision to go into comedy.”
Kevin Farley is co-writing the project with Frank Marraffino, writer of Marvel Zombies and Dee Snider: He’s Not Gonna Take It. They’ll be joined by artist Ryan Dunlavey, who is probably best known for his work on the series of comics he’s done with Fred Van Lente, including The Comic Book History of Animation and Action Philosophers!, among many others.
“Every Saturday at 11:30 my friends and I would drop everything to watch Chris Farley and the gang on Saturday Night Live,” Marraffino said. “Chris always inspired us. He offered a perpetual masterclass in the art of comedy: exuberant and boisterous, but also genuine and heartfelt. I couldn’t be more excited to chronicle the journey of the Farleys!”
Chris Farley appeared in many memorable skits on SNL over the years, including many as “motivational speaker” Matt Foley, who “lives in a van down by the river.” Farley appeared in films like Wayne’s World, Coneheads, Beverly Hills Ninja and Billy Madison. He was also the original voice of Shrek before passing away in 1997 from a drug overdose, and the role was re-recorded by Mike Myers.
The graphic novel can be pre-ordered on Z2’s website.