The Chippendales Audition sketch from Saturday Night Live is one of the most iconic in the show’s history. It aired on October 27, 1990, during Season 16 and starred Chris Farley and guest host Patrick Swayze as two dancers competing for a spot in the famous Chippendales troupe.
Written by SNL veteran Jim Downey, the sketch also featured Kevin Nealon, Mike Myers, and Jan Hooks as judges deciding between the two performers.
This was a breakout moment for Farley, who was a new cast member at the time. In just his fourth sketch, he delivered a high-energy performance that became a defining moment of his career. Set to Working for the Weekend by Loverboy, both dancers showed off their moves, with Farley’s comedic physicality standing out. Despite his enthusiasm, the judges ultimately chose Swayze’s character, Adrian.
The sketch became an instant classic, praised by fans and fellow comedians. SNL writer Robert Smigel once called it “one of the funniest sketches in the history of the show.” He also noted that Farley’s athleticism made the performance even more impressive.
Lorne Michaels, SNL’s creator, also recognized Farley’s incredible talent. In a 1998 Rolling Stone feature, he praised Farley’s ability to use his body for comedy.
Decades later, Chippendales Audition remains a fan favorite, with over 9.7 million views on SNL’s official YouTube channel. Kevin Nealon, who played one of the judges, recalled struggling to keep a straight face, while Mike Myers later said, “I knew in rehearsal that a star was born.”
Though Farley tragically passed away in 1997, his legacy lives on through performances like this, which continue to entertain fans worldwide.