CHICAGO (Reuters) - Comedian Chris Farley, the overweight actor who played overbearing characters with a sweet side on television and in movies, died Thursday from an apparent heart attack, local authorities said.

Farley was found dead in a friend's condominium apartment, and was believed to have suffered a heart attack, according to Chicago Fire Department officials.

Farley was an alumnus of Second City, the famed improvisational troupe based in Chicago, where he developed anguished characters.

His career blossomed on television's Saturday Night Live, and his physical comedy and manic behavior drew comparisons to the late John Belushi.

Among his characterizations were the inept and overweight motivational speaker Matt Foley and that of a devoted but extremely unhealthy Chicago Bears football fan.

Farley and David Spade branched out from the television show to star in movies.

Farley most recently starred in "Beverly Hills Ninja," and also had leading roles in "Tommy Boy" and "Black Sheep." REUTERS