Bob Odenkirk Talks About His Time as a Writer at SNL in New Book and Slams Chris Farley's Chippendale's Skit
Bob Odenkirk has made quite a name for himself, starring in the hit AMC series Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul, as well as last year’s action movie Nobody. But his career started way back in the ‘80s as a writer on Saturday Night Live. He looks back on his time there lovingly, but in his new book, he brings up a tough subject of one of the worst memories he has from his gig at the late night show.
Comedy Comedy Comedy Drama is hitting shelves this week, and in the book, Odenkirk unpacks the moments from SNL that leave him feeling pretty bad, which were watching the sketch unfold in which Chris Farley and Patrick Swayze are auditioning side by side as Chippendales dancers. Odenkirk explains:
"It was a huge bummer to me to see that scene get on the air and get such attention. I know it confirmed Chris's worst instincts about being funny, which was how he proved his worth — that getting laughed at was as good as getting a laugh. Writers I knew and respected defended this sketch because it had a funnyish idea buried in it: the Chippendales judges prefer Swayze's dancing over Chris's but can't put a finger on why. But that idea is not what produced the gales of cackling (and gasps) from the live audience. Chris flopping his overstuffed body around did that. I feel like I can see it on his face in the moment when he rips his shirt off. Shame and laughter are synthesized in the worst way. F--- that sketch."
Other cast members and friends of Farley have also spoken about Farley’s low self-esteem and have taken up issue with that sketch in particular, like Chris Rock in his appearance on Howard Stern’s show last year. A sketch like that wouldn’t fly these days, as we are socially more aware of people’s feelings and try not to shame people for the things they can’t help.
Farley passed away six years after the sketch due to a drug overdose at the age of 33. He was an iconic comedian, and is sorely missed by family, friends, and fans.