Comedian Chris Farley died in 1997, at age 33, of a drug overdose. It's an all-too-familiar story for actors and stand-up comics, as the comedians who reminisce about Farley in the upcoming documentary I Am Chris Farley know too well. A lot of them have struggled with addiction issues themselves, and all of them were big fans of Farley. Farley's death "comes up in something in my mind every day," David Spade, Farley's best friend, says in the film. "And I think it will forever."
Sometimes comedians "think they have the physical capacity to handle" the celebrity and fast-and-loose lifestyle, says Dan Aykroyd, who similarly lost comedy partner John Belushi to a drug overdose at age 33. But the documentary isn't just about Farley's death. It's also a celebration of his life, talent, and work. It will air on Spike on August 10, and you can watch the trailer below. Peter Weber
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