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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Tuesday 27 October
By C.B.
I think the people on their high horses who jumped so quickly to blast Spade for this ad need to step back and look at one simple fact: I am guessing that the Farley family received financial compensation for this commercial. As a child that wants to be able to take care of my parents if they need me, I'm guessing Chris Farley wouldn't mind the results. I really don't see what the big deal is since this was done with the Farley family's involvement from the start. The post about the Michael Jackson movie opening tomorrow is spot on! Some people are always looking for something to offend them.
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Tuesday 27 October
By MC
My kids laughed hysterically when they saw this commercial and have no idea who Chris Farley was. Now we're gonna spend the weekend (at their request and my suggestion) watching Chris Farley movies and old SNL sketches. I'm laughing right now just thinking about those old Zagat's sketches.
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Tuesday 27 October
By Todd
I have to agree that this is being way over blown (shocking). 12 years have passed & this wank is asking "Too soon?"..lol. Honestly how much grieving time should be allowed? Is 15 the magic number here? I think every Farley fan & every fan of the movie who has seen this commercial probably reacted by laughing and applauding the use of technology to bring this scene "back to life". Uh oh...bad pun? Get over it & enjoy. This article is more tasteless than the commercial.
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Monday 16 November
By spoon
yeah why are you all not jumping up and down about the no talent left over Jacksons who are crawling all over his coffin to make a buck
Tuesday 27 October
By SNLworstshowon TV
Chris F... so he performed in three funny sketches on SNL (Chippendale's dancer, motivational speaker, and da Bears) and the guy is considered to be a comedic genius.
Wake up people.
It doesn't make him a genius or even funny in his terrible movies.
The guy is overrated. Overhyped. Overweight.
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Monday 02 November
By Bee
In response to SNLworstshowon TV's comment. I have to say, I seriously hate the "Wake Up People" crap I see lately. I assure you, we are wide awake. It's called a difference of opinion. We enjoyed Chris Farley and you did not. There is nothing to wake up to, so take your difference of opinion and stop trying to shove it down our throats.
Thursday 05 November
By CD
Eat a (fill in the blank_____________)! At least list people you considered funny then jackass!
Tuesday 27 October
By Winston O'Boogie
The scene was hilarious in "Tommy Boy", however using this scene to sell Direct TV after Farley is dead, is the equivalent of grave robbing. Sugar coat it all you want, it is pure greed.
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Tuesday 27 October
By Dawn
The ad just reminded me of how funny Chris was and made me want to dust off the old DVDs again.
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Tuesday 27 October
By susan
Love both Spade and Farley, both legend in our time! They both make me laugh. Its just a shame Farley had to die because of a dumb overdose. but it happens to many people and many dont plan on it! Nice to remmber farley, he really was a funny Guy. I wodner where he is now! Heaven or Hell! Where ever he is, I am sure hes tickling someones funny bone!
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Tuesday 27 October
By A.C
The person who asked this question, obviously lacks a college education and if he did go to college and this is what he got out of it, I'd say he clearly wasted some money where it could have been spent more wisely.
What a stupid topic! How about taking a poll on how ignorant people think the person who hired you must be...?
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Tuesday 27 October
By Crystal
Chris Farley was a god in the comic world. When I first saw the comercial I thought "Good for them," as I laughed histerically. In my opinion it was brilliant. It's about time we bring him back to life. I really enjoyed his movies and watching him on SNL. It's too bad people have to make such a big deal out of a little thing. There's more important things to get upset about in the world today than a comercial, for example: war, government, politics, gas prices, economy, etc. Why can't we have something that makes us smile and forget everything else for just a few seconds.
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Tuesday 27 October
By DTA
I thought it was tasteless. Everyone knows Spade skipped out on Farley's funeral...and now to sell him out like this is disgusting. Of course Spade thinks it's okay being the smug little pr1ck that he is...and of course he's going to put blame on the Estate. I think the Estate might be cashing in because their cash supply died. The commercial should have only had Farley in it.
How much is Spade making off this? I guess it's to support his illegitiment children.
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Tuesday 27 October
By Brett
Twelve years is too soon? Since when? The ad was funny, the family and friends were appreciative of the bit, who's business is it other than them? Get a life people (to those who complained about it).
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Wednesday 28 October
By Tom Farley
From DTA; "Everyone knows Spade skipped out on Farley's funeral..." Wow, I can't believe people still obsess about that. No one in my family has ever judged David on his decision 12 YEARS AGO - ever. David had been a great friend to my brothers Kevin and John, and a continual supporter of The Chris Farley Foundation (which I manage). To me, the last line in this commercial says it all, "Never gets old." And it sure doesn't. To hear Chris's laughing voice singing Fat Guy in a Little Coat.... Man I miss him so much, I could watch this commercial a hundred times a day!
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Sunday 15 November
By Rita
I just wanted to say to Tom, Kevin and the entire Farley family that I honor the memory of Chris. God Bless him, and you.
I am one of Chris's biggest fans. I truly miss him, but I will always remember him as an excellent actor and comedian who greatly loved his family, friends, and fans. And, I think he would have loved the Direct TV ad, as I do! On a personal note, I understand that David Spade was too upset to attend Chris's funeral. That doesn't mean that he was being disrespectful - I feel he was too overwhelmed.
Tuesday 10 November
By kevin
We, the Farley family believe the DIRECTV commercial is a celebration of Chris. It shows him doing what he loved to do most, making people laugh. He would have loved the spot. We are grateful to DIRECTV and David Spade for doing it, and for honoring Chris and the classic movie Tommy Boy in this way. In addition, part of the ad's proceeds go to The Chris Farley Foundation
Kevin Farley
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Friday 30 October
By peace...
It's good Direct TV was so concerned with what Farley's family and friends thought.
Maybe now they can redirect their concern to address the fact that the commercial sucks.
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Friday 30 October
By TheMan
anyone who has been around professional comedians or has performed knows that pushing the envelop is half the fun. I think Farley would find the commercial (and the rediculous "outcry or complaints") equally laughable. It's been 12 years and this is one of the best comedy movies ever made. What a tribute ...(richard - don't hold back your feelings...)
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Friday 30 October
By Valentina
To be honest, when I first saw the AD I had forgotten for a moment that Chris had even passed away. That scene is one that my entire family has "performed" at home MANY times. It's ICONIC, and it IS a great reminder to his fans how funny he was.....
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