After Working With John Belushi, Lorne Michaels Used To ‘Ban’ Chris Farley From SNL Amidst Drug Addiction: ‘Obviously, It Didn’t Do It For Him’

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In its 50th season as part of the 2025 TV lineup, Saturday Night Live (SNL) has spotlighted numerous celebrities. However, none quite match the dynamism and comedic prowess of the late Chris Farley. His memorable skits significantly influenced SNL during the ’90s, and they continue to be revered. Yet, his battles with addiction serve as a somber echo of another SNL luminary, John Belushi. Determined to prevent history from repeating itself, Lorne Michaels, the show’s creator, has taken steps to support the well-being of its stars.

In a recent interview on Dax Shepard’s podcast ‘Armchair Expert’, Susan Morrison, who wrote the book ‘Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live’, openly discussed how John Belushi’s overdose in 1982 greatly impacted Eddie Murphy and influenced his approach towards Chris Farley. According to the author, this is what happened.

When Belushi passed away, it deeply affected him… I believe he came to realize that a laissez-faire attitude, allowing people to act at their own pace, might not be the right way. We are a community, we’re a team, and it’s our responsibility to care for one another.

The impact of that lesson was clear when Farley, known for his fast rise to fame through his bold and uninhibited sketches, started battling addiction openly. As stated by Morrison, Michaels often excluded Farley from the show for extended periods in a desperate bid to halt his self-destructive behavior. Morrison disclosed this information.

He frequently excluded Farley from the show for extended periods if his behavior became too unruly. He also admitted him to several rigorous rehabilitation centers that focused on tough love. However, it seemed these interventions did not bring about any positive change in him.

The approach wasn’t merely about discipline, it served as a lifeline. Michael understood the significance of SNL in Farley’s life. Taking him away from what he cherished the most was allegedly an effort to connect with the person behind the energetic skits. Morrison went on to say:

The method wasn’t just about discipline; it was crucial. Michael recognized the importance of SNL for Farley. Removing him from his dearest passion was said to be an attempt to get through to the individual behind the lively sketches. Morrison added:

Experiencing a feeling similar to the anticipation that comes with standing before the school principal, yet knowing trouble was brewing, left him perplexed and unable to process it…

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He felt like he was on edge, caught between the excitement of being in a position where he might be reprimanded and the dread of actually facing punishment. It proved too much for him to handle…

During his stint on the show, Farley’s experience was marked by a paradox: a man yearning for acceptance yet bound by habits that seemed intent on self-destruction. Michaels wasn’t merely his supervisor; he unknowingly assumed the role of a protector, constantly attempting different strategies to divert the Tommy Boy star away from a path that echoed familiar perils.

Farley’s tenure on the show was characterized by an intriguing contradiction: a man who sought validation yet found himself ensnared by habits with the potential to cause ruin. Michaels transcended his role as Farley’s boss, becoming more like a guardian, employing various methods to guide the Tommy Boy actor away from a road that bore striking resemblances to past pitfalls.

Following a brief spell in rehabilitation where I managed to stay sober, unfortunately, I found myself slipping back into old habits once more. Michael, my friend and confidant, decided to send me to a specialized facility in Alabama, one that operates under the principles of “tough love.” This wasn’t about punishment, but rather an effort to help prevent any future relapses.

Reflecting on it now, the conclusion felt tragically reminiscent. Back in December 18, 1997, only two months after gracing Saturday Night Live, Chris Farley succumbed to an overdose at the tender age of 33. Like Belushi before him, a lethal combination of cocaine and heroin took his life. This was a heartbreaking scenario that John Michaels had worked tirelessly to prevent from recurring. Despite numerous interventions and difficult choices, addiction proved an unyielding force.

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2025-05-05 17:39