Chris Farley Direct TV Ad: Too Soon?

By PopEater Staff Posted Oct 26th 2009 06:00PM

Direct TV brought back the late Chris Farley in their new ad campaign and has viewers in a twist citing that it is tasteless and insensitive. But this won't be the first time the company has used dead celebrities to hype their products. Last year, the company was under attack after featuring Heather O' Rourke in 'The Poltergeist' -- she died in 1988 at the age of 12.

In the new ad, actor David Spade appears in the commercial with Farley, who died in 1997 of heart failure due to an overdose. Asylum reached out to Spade through his publicist for a comment.

"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.

"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," DIRECT TV said.

Tags: chris farley, ChrisFarley, david spade, DavidSpade

Comments

(23)

Tuesday 27 October

By leolux10

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Wow! What an awesome commercial! At least I think so! After not even as much as a PEEP about this brilliant, as well funny actor all these years, I think it's about time someone mention his name. David Spade, although only mildly funny, has played his part also. So, why not include him in the commercial? Who cares about his personal decisions, regarding Farley's funeral? He's relevant because they were co-stars. Quit it with your stupid "nit-picking", and enjoy a laugh or two. OR! You're ALWAYS free to change the channel.

R.I.P. Chris Farley.
Ryan.

By DTA

Maybe the Farley's gave it the OK because they need the money. Just a thought.

Spade is just cashing in.

Sold out his dead "friend" for sure.

Worst commercial of the year.

Wednesday 28 October

By me

Using Chris Farley is no different than using John Wayne, James Dean, Kurt Kobain or any other dead celebraties. Are people upset about anyone using Marilyn Monroe's image in an commercal? Chris Farley should be remembered for being FUNNY AS TOMMY BOY.

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