Actor/comedian
Pictured left to right: Kevin Farley, Pat Finn, Danny Pudi and John Farley
John Farley, RC ’92 returns to Regis
Laughter was the order of the day – make that two days – for 325 Regis University students, alumni, staff and faculty as the Avalancheros, a touring improv group featuring actor and comedian John Farley, RC ’92, gave two rousing performances and conducted a workshop on campus April 7-8. The two-day laugh-fest featured stand up performances by Farley and his fellow Avalancheros and a live recording of Farley Bros. Radio Live the following day, hosted by John and his brother Kevin Farley. Students were able to participate in the show, which features conversation comedy with a variety of guests. “Being back on campus brought back so many great memories of the friends I have made and the good times we all shared,” John Farley said. “We wanted to pump the students at Regis up and give them something that they could look back on and say ‘now that was a good time.’” The Avalancheros show was a hybrid improv experience featuring interactive audience participation and classic Chicago long-form improvisation, popularized on the stages of the Second City and ImprovOlympic. In addition to John Farley, the Avalancheros consists of actors/improvisers, Kevin Farley (Curb Your Enthusiasm), Danny Pudi (Community), Pat Finn (The Middle) and Chris Marrs (Hot in Cleveland).
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Spring 2011
John, who earned a bachelor’s degree from Regis College in 1992, trained at the famed Second City in Chicago. Later he made his way to Second City: Detroit to become a member of the main stage company, co-writing the acclaimed revue Computer Chips and Salsa. He has appeared on television’s Rules of Engagement, My Name is Earl, Arrested Development, Curb Your Enthusiasm, and Zeke & Luther among many others. His film appearances include Tommy Boy, David Lynch’s The Straight Story, Joe Dirt, Benchwarmers, I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry, and Get Smart. Most recently he co-wrote and produced the feature film Hollywood & Wine with brother, Kevin, with whom he also hosts the comedic podcast, Farley Bros. Radio. In addition to the flood of positive memories brought back by returning to campus, John Farley’s visit served as a reminder of the importance of his education at Regis University. “To have a Jesuit education is something to be so proud of and to graduate from Regis University truly makes you someone special in the world,” John said. “My experience at Regis is something I wouldn’t change for the world.”