Chevy Chase: From SNL Stardom to Hollywood Legacy

Chevy Chase is an American comedian, writer, and actor who rose to fame on Saturday Night Live (SNL). Known for his deadpan delivery and physical comedy, Chase became a household name with hit movies like Caddyshack, Fletch, and National Lampoon’s Vacation. Despite his success, Chase’s career experienced a decline with several box-office failures. He later found new success in the sitcom Community and continued to work in film. His complex and often contentious personality has been a subject of discussion, including his blunt review of the SNL biopic. Chase remains a significant figure in comedy history.

Chevy Chase: The Rise and Fall of a Comedy Icon
Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase on October 8, 1943, in Manhattan, New York, is an American comedian, writer, and actor who has left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His journey from being a wealthy young man to becoming one of the most iconic figures in comedy is a fascinating tale of talent, controversy, and resilience.

Early Life and Education

Chase was born into a wealthy family. His mother, Cathalene (née Crane) Chase, was a concert pianist, and his father, Edward Tinsley (“Ned”) Chase, was a book editor. Both families were prominent, with Chase’s mother’s stepfather being Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane, founder of Crane Holdings. Given the nickname Chevy, Chase was known for his love of practical jokes. He was expelled from several private schools, including Phillips Exeter Academy, before graduating from the Stockbridge School in 1962. He later attended Haverford College but was expelled after one semester. Chase then earned a degree in English from Bard College in 1967.

Saturday Night Live

Chase’s entry into comedy began with his involvement in The National Lampoon Radio Hour, where he met future SNL stars like John Belushi and Gilda Radner. In 1975, Chase met Lorne Michaels while waiting in line for Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Michaels was impressed by Chase’s humor and hired him as a writer and performer for SNL. The show’s first episode aired on October 11, 1975, and Chase quickly became a mainstay, hosting “Weekend Update” and showcasing his unique blend of deadpan delivery and physical comedy.

Hit Movies

Chase’s success on SNL paved the way for his transition to film. He starred in several iconic movies, including Caddyshack (1980), Fletch (1985), and National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983). In Caddyshack, Chase played the role of Ty Webb, a wealthy playboy. The film’s success was followed by National Lampoon’s Vacation, where he portrayed Clark Griswold, a well-meaning but hapless father. These roles cemented Chase’s status as a leading comedic actor.

Decline and Resurgence

Despite his success, Chase’s career experienced a decline in the 1990s. He faced a string of box-office failures, including Nothing but Trouble (1991) and Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992). His talk show, The Chevy Chase Show, was canceled after five weeks. However, Chase continued to work steadily, appearing in films like Vegas Vacation (1997) and Snow Day (2000). An exception to his decline was his role in the critically acclaimed sitcom Community, where he played Pierce Hawthorne, a buffoonish millionaire.

Controversies and Legacy

Chase’s career has been marked by controversy. He was known for mistreating crew members and castmates, which led to his firing from Community in 2013. In an interview with CBS’s This Morning in 2022, Chase acknowledged his reputation but stated, “I don’t give a crap I am who I am. And I like…who I am.” This candidness reflects the complex and often abrasive personality that has been both a source of humor and tension throughout his career.

Recent Developments

In recent years, Chase has been involved in discussions about his time on SNL. Ahead of the release of Lorne Michaels’ biography, Chase shared his thoughts on what could have kept him on the show. He believed that Michaels could have encouraged him to stay by simply telling him he loved him. This sentiment highlights the personal dynamics that played a significant role in Chase’s departure from the show.

What was Chevy Chase’s early life like?
Answer: Chase was born into a wealthy family. His mother was a concert pianist, and his father was a book editor. He was given the nickname Chevy and was known for his love of practical jokes. He was expelled from several private schools before graduating from the Stockbridge School in 1962.
How did Chevy Chase get involved in comedy?
Answer: Chase began his career in comedy with The National Lampoon Radio Hour, where he met future SNL stars like John Belushi and Gilda Radner. He was later hired by Lorne Michaels for SNL in 1975.
What was Chevy Chase’s role on Saturday Night Live?
Answer: Chase was a writer and performer on SNL. He hosted “Weekend Update” and became known for his deadpan delivery and physical comedy, especially his impersonation of U.S. President Gerald Ford.
Which movies did Chevy Chase star in that made him famous?
Answer: Chase starred in several iconic movies, including Caddyshack (1980), Fletch (1985), and National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983).
Why did Chevy Chase leave Saturday Night Live?
Answer: Chase left SNL early in the second season due to tension with other cast members, particularly John Belushi. He believed that Michaels could have kept him on the show by simply telling him he loved him.
What happened to Chevy Chase’s career after he left SNL?
Answer: Chase’s career experienced a decline in the 1990s with several box-office failures. However, he continued to work steadily, appearing in films like Vegas Vacation (1997) and Snow Day (2000). He also found success in the sitcom Community.
Why was Chevy Chase fired from Community?
Answer: Chase was fired from Community in 2013 due to issues on the set, including his use of a racial slur.
How has Chevy Chase’s reputation affected his career?
Answer: Chase has been known for mistreating crew members and castmates, which has led to a reputation for being difficult to work with. This has impacted his career, particularly in the 1990s and early 2000s.
What has Chevy Chase said about his time on Saturday Night Live?
Answer: Chase has been candid about his time on SNL, stating that Michaels could have kept him on the show by simply telling him he loved him. He also acknowledged his reputation for being difficult but maintained that he is who he is.
What is Chevy Chase doing now?
Answer: Chase is currently focused on his family life, enjoying his role as a grandfather to baby Ivy. He continues to work in film and television, albeit at a slower pace than during his peak.

Chevy Chase is a complex figure in the entertainment industry, known for his unique blend of humor and controversy. From his early days as a wealthy young man to his rise as a comedy icon on Saturday Night Live, Chase has left an indelible mark on the industry. Despite facing significant challenges and controversies, Chase continues to be a significant figure in comedy history, reminding us that even the most iconic stars can have a multifaceted and often tumultuous career.