<P> The character's concept was first created by Bob Odenkirk . Farley had performed the character in other comedy groups before joining the cast of Saturday Night Live . Farley named the character after one of his Marquette University rugby union teammates, who is now a Catholic priest in the Chicago suburb of Arlington Heights . </P> <P> Matt Foley appeared in eight Saturday Night Live sketches . Each sketch typically started with Foley brought into a specific situation by someone to speak to a group . In addition to his disheveled, overweight, and unstylish appearance, he exhibits poor social skills, frequently loses his temper, disparages and insults his audience, wallows in cynicism and self - pity, and presents a negative motivational message . Foley's trademark line is warning his audience that they could end up, like himself, being "35 years old, eating a steady diet of government cheese, thrice divorced, and living in a van down by the river!" In most sketches, whenever a member of his audience announces a personal accomplishment, Foley responds with mockery or belligerence: "Well, la - dee - frickin - da!", "Whoop - dee - frickin - doo!", or a similarly dismissive remark . The sketches usually feature Farley's physical comedy, such as the over-caffeinated Foley gesticulating wildly and leaping around, often breaking furniture . </P> <P> In the character's debut, David Spade and Christina Applegate, who were playing teens supposedly in need of Foley's help, were visibly trying to stifle their laughter . Spade, in particular, spent most of the sketch with his hand covering his face . In the sketch, Farley's portrayal of Foley was so intense that he ended up falling onto the table in front of him, crushing it . The blooper was so popular that Farley turned it into one of his best - known routines and one which he would repeat many times, both as Foley and as other characters on SNL and in film during the remainder of his life and career, sometimes injuring himself in the process . </P> <P> At the end of each sketch, he is usually rushed out of his speaking location, where the people left behind huddle together and comment on him, usually bemused and frightened . Though his intended message is always ruined by his bizarre presentation, his audience typically benefits from the experience, as they all don't want to be associated with Foley again . One departure sketch had George Foreman considering that he was too old and weak to continue boxing, and happening to walk by the river, where he comes across Foley's van . Foley does not go into his usual tirades, instead ordering Foreman to do all sorts of chores for him, such as grilling hamburgers, claiming the work is "for dexterity". When Foreman determines Foley is using him, he punches Foley, causing Foreman to realize he can still fight and ultimately going on to win the world championship . Foreman then recites this tale to Tim Meadows, who wonders aloud why he is cooking burgers for Foreman, only to be barked at, "You know why! For dexterity!" </P>

Chris farley live in a van down by the river