Using deceased celebrities like Chris Farley in TV commercials is nothing new, but having them interact with a close, personal friend is something we haven't seen before. That's exactly what happens, though, in a new ad for Direct TV featuring Chris Farley and David Spade.The spot features the late Farley doing his "Fat Guy in a Little Coat" bit for David Spade, who re-dubs his dialogue to incorporate Direct TV ad copy. It's the latest in a series of Direct TV spots to re-create iconic movie moments.
Farley died in 1997 of heart failure due to an overdose, and initial reactions to the ad complain that it is tasteless, insensitive or just plain weird and accuse Spade of selling out his dead friend's memory.
We reached out to David Spade through his publicist, who provided Asylum with a statement from Spade.
"When DIRECT TV came to me and the Farley family with this idea about 'Tommy Boy,' we talked and thought it would be a cool way to remind people just how funny Chris was. It is a clever homage to my friend and a movie that we loved doing, " he says.
UPDATE: A spokesperson for Direct TV told us, "We should look to Chris' family and friends for the ultimate opinion on this subject. They were involved from the beginning of this project and felt that the spot was a great to tribute to Chris."
If Farley's family gave their blessing, is that good enough for you? Keep reading to watch the controversial ad.


























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Comments:
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Monday 26 October
By Heavytoka
Not too soon at all; There is probably a whole generation who doesn't even know the hilarity of Chris Farley.
Reply
Tuesday 27 October
By jenn
if the family is ok with it,, then we should be too. i laugh everytime i see that commerical. that was the best scene in the movie. "fat man in a little coat" gets me everytime. i said "GO FOR IT"
Friday 30 October
By James
T T T T Too much time on my hands. Come on, what is tasteless about this?! Farley was a genious in the slapstick mode of comedy. I miss seeing him and when this is on, a new generation gets to see his work. It seems like many of the young comedians now rely on shock, awe and a lot of cursing to tell a joke. Chris was amazing in that he could just move a certain way and it was hilarious. No racial ploys or nasty words to sell himself. He was a true comedian of the Three Stooges school of comedy and we lost a great one with his passing regardless of how he died. Please do not feed into this hysteria, it is only a commercial, not a political statement!
Wednesday 04 November
By andrew
and another great moment in overexaggerated media hype. the media needs to just shut up and let some things roll this isnt even news they took a guy and spliced him into a scene to market a produc nothing worng with that and he doesnt interact with spade per say it was the scene from the movie and they cut it off after his line and started the commercial
Wednesday 04 November
By Tom C.
I love it! I was always a huge Chris Farley fan and this is a great commercial...and I don't even have DirecTv. I have Dish Network. I still love it!
Wednesday 11 November
By New Setup
I have to admit on the first airing of the commercial I saw, it struck me as a little odd... Then I thought "David Spade was one of Farley's best friends, and he's ok with it.", probably in the same sense mentioned above, "and Farley's family must approve, and would be receiving payments for it through his estate as well."
I say no foul here. I'm sure Chris would love to know he's being remembered fondly by those of us who loved him, and he's providing for his family even after he's gone. Win-Win for Chris. A little dose of "Fat Guy in a Little Coat" never hurt anyone! ;)
Saturday 14 November
By charles
These dumbasses that are offended must not know Chris Farley.Hes the guy that would do anything to make people laugh.I laughed my ass off.It really never gets old.Kudos to you David for keeping his memory alive.
Sunday 15 November
By SAM
I spoke with David at a meet and greet in LV a couple of months ago and mentioned I missed seeing him with Chris in those comedy shows a decade earlier. He acknowledged that he also missed the shows and his friend Chris. Sure it was an ad, but it was a reunion of a good comedy team. I'm sure contact was made and releases were signed by the estate or family or Chris Farley. I wish Chris were here to join with David for other movies.
Sunday 15 November
By Dennis
as long as the family is ok with it why should anyone else care
they are the ones who lost somebody
Monday 16 November
By Herbert Wright
Chris and David still ROCK...together
Sunday 06 December
By samantha
i would have to agree. :)chris farley was an amazingly hillairous comedian.
Monday 26 October
By JAR
This isn't in poor taste at all, a little corny maybe, as most of these commercials are. But ya, that movie was one of the funniest comedies of my generation and that scene was hilarious! Nothing wrong with using Chris Farley, but these commercials are kind of a goofy idea anyway.
Reply
Monday 26 October
By Teesh
Get over it. It was funny, in good taste, and I think Chris Farley would approve. I don't see how it's any worse that watching a rerun of Tommy Boy.
Lighten up.
Reply
Monday 26 October
By Rhonda
When a movie comes out this week to make money from the death of an entertainer who died last June, somehow making a commercial with an entertainer who died eight years ago doesn't sound so bad, does it? Besides, I think Chris Farley would approve and, if his family and best friend thinks it's okay, why not???
Reply
Tuesday 27 October
By anonymous
12 years ago, 1997 was 12 years ago friend
Tuesday 17 November
By Tammy
I could not AGREE with you more. You are so right on the money with this.
Monday 26 October
By Takahashi
This reminds me of when the Billy Mays passed and they continued to air his infomercials. True, it may be strange seeing someone who has passed before their time on the television, but this is all done in good taste. Chris Farley was a comical legend, this ad does nothing but remind people of who he was, and what he did. Too soon? No, not at all.
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Tuesday 27 October
By Candace
Seriously, Mr. Christopher, what makes you the authority in this matter. I am a true Chris Farley fan and continue to watch his movies when they are re-aired! Which is frequently. Get over yourself. Leave Spade alone! There is absolutely nothing tasteless about this other than your lude and unjustified comments! Find something else to write about! That particular scene is one of the things Farley is remembered for and I love seeing it. It makes alot of us laugh and if it puts smiles on some of our faces for 30 seconds in a somewhat hostile world, which you are part of, then let us have it!
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Tuesday 27 October
By Lauren
Not offensive at all, nor is it too soon (12 years!). Chris Farley is genius -and I will tell you - I was very excited to see this clip on TV; one of his best moments. David Spade says it perfectly at the end... "it never gets old"... it really doesn't!
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Tuesday 27 October
By Ben S
All these writers bashing this are annoying and need to get a life. You whistleblowers have no personality or sense of humor. This is one of the funniest scenes from one of the funniest movies of all time. Spade wouldn't have done it if it was in poor taste. It's 12 years after his death...12 years! It's not like he passed away a month ago. Bravo, Spade...way to share the hilarity of your best friend to a generation who is just finding out who he is, one of the funniest men of all time.
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