Lorne Michaels banned Chris Farley from ‘SNL’ for weeks for addiction issues
Share this @internewscast.com

King Lorne.

Susan Morrison, who authored the biography “Lorne: The Man Who Invented Saturday Night Live,” recently joined Dax Shepard on his “Armchair Expert” podcast to discuss how Lorne Michaels tackled Chris Farley’s issues with substance abuse during his time on “SNL.”

Morrison recalled that Michaels, 80, went into overdrive to help Farley after original cast member John Belushi died of a drug overdose in 1982.

Morrison explained, “Belushi’s death was a significant blow to him. I think he realized that allowing everyone to manage themselves in their personal time wasn’t the best approach. We’re a team, a community, and we need to take care of each other.”

“When Chris Farley came on the scene, about ten years later or so, his addiction problems were apparent from the start,” Morrison added. “Lorne would bring him into his office for discussions about his drinking and drug use.”

Morrison recalled that Bob Odenkirk, who was a writer on the sketch comedy series at the time, once told her that Farley “would often be excited” about his meetings in Michaels’ office.

“It was like the kind of thrill of being in the principal’s office, but at the same time, you’re getting in trouble,” the author said. “He couldn’t metabolize it, but Lorne had really changed his approach. He would ban Farley from the show for weeks at a time if he was too f—ed up. And he sent him to a series of really tough love rehab places.”

“And obviously,” Morrison added, “it didn’t do it for him.”

Farley starred on “SNL” from 1990 to 1995. He died of a drug overdose (cocaine and morphine) in 1997, just like Belushi.

In her book that came out in Feb., Morrison claimed that Farley was once “suspended” from “SNL” because of his addiction.

“After getting clean once and relapsing, he’d been suspended by Michaels, who sent him to a tough-­love rehab facility in Alabama,” Morrison wrote. “Michaels knew that the show was what Farley liked best, so taking it away from him, he hoped, would make an impression.”

Morrison also recalled when Farley returned to the NBC show in October 1997, just two months before his death.

“Farley’s manager, Marc Gurvitz, had asked for the hosting gig as a favor: he thought that, for Farley, being back at 8H might have a stabilizing effect,” Morrison said in her book. “Michaels agreed. The discipline and rigor of ‘SNL,’ he always believed, helped keep people straight.”

On “Armchair Expert,” Morrison said that Michaels has become “pretty hands-on” in helping former cast members Pete Davidson and John Mulaney who have both struggled with addiction.

“They all talk about how Lorne is a really helpful person to talk to about it,” she explained. “So I think that he definitely realized, ‘Okay, I can play a role here.’”

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
NTSB shares early findings in crash that killed country songwriter Brett James

Breaking: NTSB Releases Preliminary Report on Fatal Crash Involving Renowned Country Songwriter Brett James

A preliminary report has surfaced, shedding light on the tragic accident that…
'Untold damage': Global assisted suicide movement targets children

Rising Concerns: Global Assisted Suicide Movement Sparks Debate Over Inclusion of Minors

In the spring of 2022, Canadian teenager Markus Schouten expressed a heartfelt…
Israel strikes Gaza after it says Hamas attacked across ceasefire line

Israel Launches Retaliatory Strikes on Gaza Following Alleged Hamas Ceasefire Breach

Israel launched strikes on targets in the southern Gaza Strip on Sunday…
Thieves steal several pieces of French Crown Jewels collection inside the infamous Louvre in Paris, France

Heist at the Louvre: French Crown Jewels Stolen in Bold Theft

In a daring heist that unfolded in mere minutes, thieves targeted the…
BTK killer's daughter calls him 'subhuman' after final prison confrontation ends relationship

BTK Killer’s Daughter Denounces Father as ‘Subhuman’ in Emotional Final Prison Visit

Almost two decades after Dennis Rader was incarcerated, his daughter, Kerri Rawson,…
Former MLB player Jesús Montero dies two weeks after motorcycle crash

Tragic Loss: Ex-MLB Star Jesús Montero Passes Away Following Motorcycle Accident

CARACAS (AP) — Venezuelan Jesús Montero, who once graced the fields with…
Sam Rivers, bass player for Limp Bizkit, has died at 48, the band says

Limp Bizkit Confirms Passing of Bassist Sam Rivers at Age 48

The world of metal music is mourning the loss of Sam Rivers,…
Louvre museum closed after robbery, French official says

Shocking Heist Forces Louvre Museum Closure: French Authorities Investigate

In an audacious heist, thieves infiltrated the Louvre museum in Paris, making…
Democrat mayor's 'gaslighting' amid serial killer fears called out by grieving family

Grieving Family Accuses Democrat Mayor of ‘Gaslighting’ Amid Serial Killer Concerns

There’s a mystery lurking beneath Houston’s waters, as bodies are being repeatedly…
Authorities investigate the death of a rail conductor who was struck by a train in Montana

Montana Rail Tragedy: Authorities Probe Fatal Incident Involving Conductor Struck by Train

COLUMBUS, Montana — Authorities are investigating a tragic incident involving a rail…
ICE Chicago news: Immigration Enforcement, Border Patrol officials to testify on federal agents' use of force, tear gas Monday

Chicago Spotlight: Federal Officials Set to Address Use of Force and Tear Gas in Immigration Operations

Broadview, Illinois (WLS) — The scene outside the Broadview Immigration and Customs…
Two IDF soldiers killed amid 'severe' ceasefire violation, 'it's not the last,' analyst says

Ceasefire Shattered: Two IDF Soldiers Killed, Analyst Warns of More to Come

Two soldiers from the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) have been killed by…