Siobhan Fallon Hogan, a former Saturday Night Live cast member, recently shared an eye-opening revelation about her late colleague, Chris Farley, that has left many fans stunned. While Farley was widely recognized for his over-the-top comedic antics and his unforgettable portrayal of the boisterous motivational speaker Matt Foley, Fallon Hogan revealed that behind the scenes, he was a deeply devout Catholic whose faith was anything but an act.
In an exclusive interview ahead of SNL’s 50th-anniversary special, Fallon Hogan reflected on her time working with Farley and described how their shared Catholic faith connected them. “We went to Holy Trinity on the Upper West Side. And, you know, everything at SNL is nocturnal. The shows would get out at like 1:30 in the morning, and you go to the parties, and then we’d be at Mass together [the next morning] and he’d look up at heaven and be like, ‘Sorry. Sorry about that.'”
Farley’s faith went beyond attending Mass. Fallon Hogan recalled how he introduced her to the Clown’s Prayer, a beloved poem among comedians that reminds us of the joy and responsibility of making people laugh. “He was really a fabulous Catholic. Such an amazing guy,” she added.
Farley’s tragic passing at the young age of 33 due to a drug overdose shocked the entertainment world, but Fallon Hogan’s recollections provide a fresh perspective on his character. She attended his funeral service and was deeply moved by the eulogies, particularly one given by an unlikely speaker. “I remember his memorial at St. Malachy’s in New York. You would expect some famous person to go up and speak. And instead, there was a shut-in that he had visited quite often, and no one knew that. He was just a fantastic person.”
While Farley’s legacy is often tied to his comedic brilliance and personal struggles, Fallon Hogan hopes people will remember the man who quietly lived out his faith in profound ways. Like Farley, she has remained steadfast in her Catholic beliefs throughout her career, even turning down roles that conflicted with her moral convictions. “It’s cost me a fortune,” she joked. “But, that being said, I wouldn’t be able to sit with myself.”
Determined to bring her values to the screen, Fallon Hogan has taken matters into her own hands, writing, producing, and starring in faith-driven films like Rushed (2021) and Shelter in Solitude (2023). Her projects reflect the growing movement of Catholics in Hollywood who are no longer afraid to be vocal about their faith. “I think people, after a while, are just thirsting for the truth and searching for something of substance, for a higher power,” she explained. “And some of the people who already are strong Catholics no longer have to hide because they don’t want to. It’s not worth it to hide.”
Though she remains active in the entertainment industry and has recently been cast in an upcoming Lionsgate film, Fallon Hogan is preparing for another meaningful event—the SNL 50th reunion. “It’s like a high school reunion on steroids. It’s just kind of fabulous. You feel like you’re a part of history.”
When asked about SNL’s cultural relevance today, she admitted that she doesn’t watch the show much anymore, reflecting on the golden era she was part of. “I think I was on in the glory days, for sure. The people I worked with—Dana Carvey, Adam Sandler, Chris Rock, David Spade, and, of course, Chris Farley—were truly top-tier comedians.”
While Farley’s time in the spotlight was tragically short, his faith and kindness continue to inspire those who knew him best. As Fallon Hogan shares his story, she reminds us that even in the world of comedy, faith is no joke—it’s a guiding light.