Is the price of fame too high? For Chris Farley, one of the most beloved and physically comedic presences to ever grace "Saturday Night Live," the answer tragically appears to be yes. His larger-than-life performances masked a deep-seated struggle with addiction that ultimately cut his life far too short, leaving behind a legacy of laughter tinged with profound sadness.

Farley's final days paint a stark picture of a man battling inner demons. In December of 1997, the comedian's declining health was a cause of concern amongst friends and colleagues. Following his final guest appearance on "Saturday Night Live" on October 25, 1997, his hoarse voice and flushed complexion were noted with increasing worry. Just weeks later, on December 18, 1997, the Chicago Fire Department received a call from his apartment in the John Hancock Center. Paramedics arrived shortly after 2:00 PM EST to find the 33-year-old Farley dead at the scene, leaving behind a void in the comedy world and unanswered questions about the circumstances surrounding his demise.

Category	Information
Full Name	Christopher Crosby Farley
Date of Birth	February 15, 1964
Place of Birth	Madison, Wisconsin, USA
Date of Death	December 18, 1997
Place of Death	Chicago, Illinois, USA
Age at Death	33
Cause of Death	Drug Overdose (Speedball: Cocaine and Heroin) Contributing factor: Coronary Atherosclerosis
Occupation	Actor, Comedian
Years Active	1990-1997
Notable Works	Saturday Night Live (Cast Member), Tommy Boy, Black Sheep, Beverly Hills Ninja
Comedy Style	Physical Comedy, Slapstick, Improvisational Comedy
Idol	John Belushi
Substance Abuse History	Drug and alcohol problems, sought treatment multiple times
Legacy	Remembered for his energetic and hilarious performances, but also as a cautionary tale about the dangers of addiction.
External Links	Biography.com - Chris Farley