It has been nearly three decades since we lost Chris Farley. Honestly, it still feels a bit surreal. If you grew up in the 90s, he wasn't just a comedian; he was a force of nature. Whether he was a motivational speaker living in a van down by the river or a clumsy ninja, he gave every single ounce of his energy to the audience. But when the cameras stopped rolling, the high-octane performer struggled.
People often wonder what happened after that tragic day in December 1997. Specifically, where did they lay him to rest?
If you’re looking to pay your respects, you won't find him in a star-studded Hollywood cemetery like Forest Lawn or Hollywood Forever. Chris went home. Chris Farley is buried at Resurrection Catholic Cemetery in Madison, Wisconsin.
Finding the Spot: Resurrection Catholic Cemetery
Madison was where it all started for Chris. It’s where he was born, where he played rugby at Edgewood High School, and where he first learned to make people laugh to hide his own insecurities. It makes sense that his family brought him back to the "Mad City" for his final goodbye.
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The cemetery itself is located at 2705 Regent Street, Madison, WI 53705. It’s a beautiful, well-manicured place, but it isn't a "tourist" spot. It’s a quiet, local Catholic cemetery.
The Specific Location of the Grave
Don't go wandering through the rows of headstones in the grass. You won't find him there.
Chris is actually interred inside the main chapel mausoleum.
When you enter the cemetery through the front gate on Regent Street, look for the large mausoleum building. Once you step inside the chapel area, there’s a hallway that leads toward the back. His tomb is located in a sunny anteroom between the main sanctuary and the other mausoleum rooms.
The plaque is simple. It reads:
Christopher Crosby Farley
Feb. 15, 1964 – Dec. 18, 1997
It’s surprisingly understated for a man who lived such a loud, chaotic life. People often leave small tokens there—pennies, guitar picks, and sometimes even little toy vans.
Why Madison? The Connection to the Midwest
Some fans are surprised he isn't in Chicago, the city where he died and where he rose to fame at Second City. But Chris was a Wisconsin boy through and through.
His father, Tom Sr., ran an oil company in Madison. The family was deeply rooted in the local Irish-Catholic community. In fact, the funeral at Our Lady Queen of Peace Catholic Church was a massive event for the city. Over 500 people attended, including SNL legends like Dan Aykroyd, Adam Sandler, and Chris Rock.
It was a somber day.
Lorne Michaels was there. So was Tom Arnold. David Spade, however, famously didn't attend. He later explained that he just couldn't handle it emotionally—it was too "final" for him. Anyone who has lost a best friend can probably relate to that kind of paralyzing grief.
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Visiting the Site: What You Need to Know
If you're planning a trip to Madison to see where Chris Farley is buried, keep a few things in mind.
First, the mausoleum isn't always open. Generally, it follows standard business hours, but it can be locked on weekends or holidays. It’s not like a public park.
Second, parking on Regent Street is notoriously difficult. It's a busy area near the University of Wisconsin-Madison. You might have to park a few blocks away and walk.
- Address: 2705 Regent St, Madison, WI.
- Accessibility: The mausoleum is wheelchair accessible.
- Conduct: It’s a functioning cemetery. People are there grieving their own family members, so keeping the "Matt Foley" impressions to a minimum is probably a good idea.
Other Farley Sites in Madison
Since you're already in town, you might want to see the other places that shaped him.
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- Edgewood High School: Where he was the "funny kid" in the 80s.
- The Ark Improv (now closed): Where he actually started his comedy career before Chicago.
- Farley Avenue: Ironically, there is a street named Farley Avenue nearby. It wasn't named after him (it's for a former mayor), but fans always stop for a photo.
The Legacy He Left Behind
Chris died at 33. That is the same age his idol, John Belushi, passed away. It’s a haunting coincidence that many people still talk about today.
His cause of death was an accidental overdose of cocaine and morphine (a "speedball"), exacerbated by heart disease. It was a "rampage" that lasted four days in his 60th-floor apartment at the John Hancock Center in Chicago.
But his burial site in Madison represents the peace he struggled to find in life. It’s quiet. It’s home. It’s away from the pressure of being the "funny fat guy" that everyone expected him to be 24/7.
Actionable Tips for Visiting
If you want to make the pilgrimage, here is how to do it right:
- Check the Hours: Call the cemetery office at (608) 238-5561 before you drive out just to ensure the mausoleum is open to the public that day.
- Bring a Token: If you want to leave something, keep it small and respectful. Most people leave coins or small notes.
- Explore the Neighborhood: The Near West Side of Madison is full of great local spots. Grab a coffee at a nearby cafe and take a walk through the neighborhoods Chris grew up in. It gives you a much better sense of the man than a movie screen ever could.
- Watch the Documentary: Before you go, watch I Am Chris Farley. It features interviews with his siblings and friends, and it really puts the Madison connection into perspective.
Knowing where Chris Farley is buried is one thing, but understanding why he’s there tells the real story of his life. He was a superstar in Hollywood and Chicago, but in Madison, he was just Christopher—the kid who wanted everyone to be happy.