Yahoo Reporting

Thursday December 18 6:58 PM EST

Actor Chris Farley dead

CHICAGO, Dec. 18 (UPI) _ Police say comedic actor Chris Farley has been found dead in his condominium along Chicago's posh Michigan Avenue.

There was no immediate word on cause of death. Reportedly there were no visible marks on the body, which was found by Farley's brother in the actor's 60th-floor condominium in the John Hancock Center.

Chicago Police removed the body around 5:15 p.m. CST and Cook County authorities say an autopsy will be performed on Friday.

Farley, 33, gained fame during his five seasons on NBC's ``Saturday Night Live,'' where he created such characters as the motivational speaker Matt Foley, the tongue-tied host of ``The Chris Farley Show'' and the Chicago-bred ``Todd,'' a member of a group of Bears fans known as ``the Superfans'' who worshipped then-coach Mike Ditka.

He starred in the movies ``Tommy Boy,'' ``Black Sheep'' and ``Beverly Hills Ninja,'' and appeared in a host of others, including ``Billy Madison,'' ``Wayne's World,'' ``Wayne's World 2'' and ``Coneheads.'' He also stars opposite Matthew Perry in the forthcoming comedy ``Edwards & Hunt.''

Like John Belushi, whom Farley idolized, and John Candy, Farley was a member of Chicago's Second City comedy troupe. Also like Belushi, he was overweight, prone to hard partying and died young.

Second City executive producer Andrew Alexander issued a statement saying, ``It is with the utmost sadness and deepest regret that the Second City recognizes the passing of one of its own: Chris Farley....We will never forget the joy he brought to our lives.''

NBC Televsion released a statement saying, ``He will always be remembered for his warm-hearted nature and deep commitment to his friends and the people with whom he worked.''

Chris Rock, one of Farley's co-stars on SNL, said, ``He was one of my best friends and one of the funniest guys I've ever known. I love him and I'm going to miss him.''

A spokesperson for the the William Morris Talent Agency, who represented Farley, said, ``We've lost a good friend and a wonderful talent. We are deeply saddened by this news.''