Nearly three decades after the loss of beloved comedian Chris Farley, his brother Tom Farley Jr. is continuing to honor his memory with a heartfelt message of hope and healing.
Marking 28 years since Chris’ passing, Tom shared reflections centered on recovery and compassion, reminding fans that grief can transform into purpose in a new interview with PEOPLE.
The interview was shared on Sunday, Feb. 15, which would have been his 62nd birthday.
While the anniversary is always emotional for the Farley family, Tom emphasized how carrying his brother’s spirit forward through advocacy has helped him find meaning in the loss.
Chris, best known for his explosive energy on “Saturday Night Live” and his role in “Tommy Boy,” died in 1997 at age 33 following an overdose.
His passing stunned Hollywood and fans alike, leaving behind a legacy of unforgettable characters and a reminder of the pressures many entertainers face.
Tom Opens Up About What He Misses Most
Tom heartbreakingly told the outlet that while he misses his brother’s bear hugs the most, he wishes the two could have gone through recovery together.
“But what I really miss now is that I would have loved to have been in recovery with Chris,” he said. “Because when he was in recovery, and he was so successful those last years on SNL, he was working his program. He was amazing and look at what happened — he just exploded. And I started seeing a brother I never got to see.”
Tom has been incredibly open about is own recovery and currently serves as the community outreach director for Recovery.com.
He has dedicated his life to helping others through recovery education and outreach.
In interviews and appearances over the years, he has explained that his own healing journey helped him better understand what Chris may have been going through before his death.
That perspective shaped his commitment to speaking openly about addiction and mental health.
Rather than focusing only on grief, Tom’s message highlighted resilience.
He encouraged people struggling with substance use or loss to seek support, stressing that recovery is possible and that connection can be life-saving.
By sharing personal stories, he hopes to remove stigma and help families feel less alone.
Tom Reveals How His Brother Was While Growing Up
In a December 2025 interview with PEOPLE, Tom recalled how he often has people telling him how much they miss his famous brother.
“People come up to me all the time and say, ‘Oh, I miss your brother.’ It’s like, yeah, they miss the celebrity, they miss the laughter — as I do. But I want them to miss the brother I miss,” he stated.
The two used to share a bedroom when they were growing up, and Tom recalled how his famous skits were done years prior to make his aunts and uncles laugh.
As another anniversary passes, the Farley family’s message is clear: love, laughter and recovery can coexist.
Chris Farley’s legacy lives on not only in classic comedy moments but also in the compassion his story continues to inspire.
