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 02 November
By Shane Nokes
I'm with the members of the Farley family who have posted here. I'm not a family friend, nor a real acquaintance. However, I did have a chance to meet David just after Chris died and the man was a wreck.
He didn't 'skip out' on the funeral. It was literally more than he could handle.
As for the commercial. I think Chris would have laughed over it, and if he were still alive would have participated just like David did.
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Monday 02 November
By tori
This is ridiculous whoever came up with the idea the ad with David Spade and Chris Farley was offensive. I love the ad and Spad and I love Farley as well. He'd of gotten a hoot if he'd seen the ad. It was done in love and people should get over it already. Chris was a comedian and brought laughter to a whole generation and he is again if it wasn't for idiots such as the ones who've made a big deal of this!!!!
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Monday 02 November
By Mike Sheridan
Plain & simple. Poor taste.
Just as bad as Natalie Cole with her Dad.
The problem isn't what we think of it the problem is that those being portrayed didn't have a choice in how they are seen.
Try to turn down a script after you're dead?
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Tuesday 03 November
By Christie Henry
It's been almost 12 years since Chris Farley's tragic and untimely death. I know my husband and I really miss his comedy, so when a scene from "Tommy Boy" came on seemingly out of nowhere, we both did a double-take thinking somehow the channel was changed.
When David Spade started talking to us (the viewers), telling us why we should get Directv and we realized it was a commercial, we cracked up--YAY, Chris Farley!!!
Using "Tommy Boy" as the latest addition to the growing list of movies that Directv has used for their commercials is a way to keep his spirit alive--if anything, it's a tribute to one of the greatest comedians!
(Props to the method DTV uses for their ads--catches our attention every time!!!)
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Tuesday 03 November
By sadgalinsd
I was shocked when I first saw the commercial because I don't know how they get it to look so realistic! It just amazes me. No it's not too soon. When I first saw it I thought it a little strange since Chris has been gone for so long (relevancy issue)and I would think it would make David sad, but I guess not. Glad they got the family's permission first. Wonder what Chris would think of it-would he find it tacky? Made me a little sad-who wants to be reminded of a well known actor who died because of his love for many things in excess? You think he would have learned from Belushi. Also, never found fat guy in a little coat funny at all, even though I liked Chris (when he wasn't being overly obnoxious). His Chippendale's dance with Swayze is the ultimate classic that gets me laughing every time. I also like it when they did the Zagat guide skit that kept making Sandler crack up. Matt Foley-my favorite character of his, especially when Spade and Christina Applegate play the kids and he crashes through the coffee table.
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Tuesday 03 November
By Roger
Chris was ALL about comedy, he wouldn't mind.
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Tuesday 03 November
By andrew
the only thing that should be said is spade loved farley and would never do anything to dishonor him that is a fact.
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Tuesday 03 November
By Sam in Ohio
Geez, talk about over-sensitive! Farley was a hilarious person and loved that way Spade an he interacted on screen. I think the commercial is fine. Farley would have wanted it this way.
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Tuesday 03 November
By Karen Johnson
I dont think it is too soon. I mean, I didnt personally know Chris Farley, but it seems like he wouldve enjoyed it. I am glad they did it. It will show some of the younger ones how funny this comedian was (just in case they didnt know!)
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Tuesday 03 November
By A
Well this is just a good way to remember Chris Farley. People are just stupid now-a-days and overreact like a bunch of little girls. I enjoyed watching every second.
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Wednesday 04 November
By Billy T.
There was nothing wrong with that at all!! I loved it, and I loved his movies! I wish people would just concentrate on there own lives and stop looking around for something to start trouble with! Get a life people!
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Tuesday 03 November
By Pete
I agree with James... Someone has a way to much time on their hands.. Good grief, get a life....
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Tuesday 03 November
By miles
the ad sucks really badly!
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Wednesday 04 November
By Joe
What could possibly be wrong or tasteless with this commercial? Some people out there have too much time on their hands, and money, and an endless complaint list. WAKE UP YOU RICH, RIGHT-WING JERKS...CHRIS'S FAMILY IS COOL WITH IT!!! You have no damn right to tell the man's family or his best friend that they are being tasteless when they are just honoring his memory, and his wonderful comedic gift that he shared with all of us. So shut up and get a life.
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Wednesday 04 November
By SingingFox59
Ok, I watched it. What is the problem ? Farley was a funny guy and David knew him so,I really can't believe David would have done this if he thought it was tasteless or harmful to his memory.Geez,with the state this world is in people are having problems over THIS ? Unbeleveable !! People, get a life, lighten up ! It's a commercial,nothing more !
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Wednesday 04 November
By Demetria
The commercial was not done in poor taste, i like it, that movie was funny with the two of them together. Chris Farley was a very funny guy.
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Thursday 05 November
By esideathlete
I thought the ad was a wonderful tribute to Chris Farley and his signature style of comedy. The chemistry between Farley and Spade was magical and I thank DirectTV for reminding us how magical.
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Thursday 05 November
By CD
Even if Spade didn't get the Farley family's approval, it wouldn't have been a big deal anyway. This is ridiculous! People need to get real and complain about the things worth complaining about.
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Tuesday 10 November
By vicvlvic
Pure Greed? So What! I'd rather watch that ad then many of the Drug Ads, Cancer Ads or that obnoxious one:
"Its Your Money use it when you want to!"
"Or the dude with the deviated septum doing the AARP ads"
Do what I do, "MUTE IT" or Channel Select" if it gets to you.
Capitalism without Greed is Obamaism-and we've had enough of that already:)Unless you make money off unemployed persons?
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Tuesday 10 November
By stacie
i watched the commercial for the first time on here just to see chris farley again, i say hell yeah!!
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