Chevy Chase

Who is Chevy Chase? A Journey Through Comedy and Beyond

Cornelius Crane ‘Chevy’ Chase, born on October 8, 1943, has been a cornerstone of American comedy for decades. His journey from the streets of Lower Manhattan to the halls of SNL and beyond is nothing short of remarkable.

Early Life and Beginnings

Chase was born into an upper-middle-class family in 1943, with his father being a book editor and his mother a concert pianist. Their divorce when he was just four years old set the stage for a life filled with change and resilience. Growing up in Woodstock, New York, with an older brother named Ned Jr., Chevy’s early years were marked by the influence of his parents’ separation and their subsequent deaths in 2005.

Education and Early Career

Chase’s academic prowess was evident from a young age. He graduated as valedictorian from Stockbridge School in 1962, attended Haverford College, and later Bard College, where he studied English and pre-med before graduating in 1967. However, his path to fame took an unexpected turn when he was classified 4-F due to false claims of having homosexual tendencies, which prevented him from attending medical school.

Music and Early Comedy

Before diving into comedy, Chase played drums with The Leather Canary, a college band that later became the precursor to Steely Dan. He also recorded one album with Chamaeleon Church before disbanding in 1969. His perfect pitch and knack for slapstick comedy laid the foundation for his future success.

Saturday Night Live and Beyond

Chase’s breakthrough came when he joined Saturday Night Live (SNL) as a writer and cast member in October 1975. He quickly became known for his physical comedy skills, introducing every show except two during his tenure from 1975 to 1976. His version of Weekend Update inspired later news satire shows like The Daily Show and The Colbert Report.

Breakout Success

After leaving SNL in 1976 due to his girlfriend’s reluctance to move to New York, Chase found success as a leading man in comedy films. Movies such as Caddyshack, National Lampoon’s Vacation, and Fletch became classics of the genre, earning him two Primetime Emmy Awards for his work on SNL and hosting the Academy Awards twice.

Later Career

In the 1980s, Chase continued to star in films like Foul Play, Caddyshack, and National Lampoon’s Vacation. He also co-founded Channel One and became a writer for The National Lampoon Radio Hour. His film roles included Spies Like Us and Three Amigos, and he starred alongside Madolyn Smith in Funny Farm (1988).

Television and Talk Shows

In 2009, Chase returned to NBC with the sitcom Community as Pierce Hawthorne. The show received critical acclaim, but he left due to disagreements over his character’s direction. He also appeared in Hot Tub Time Machine and a short online film featuring the Griswold Family.

Personal Life

Chase has been married three times: Susan Hewitt (1973-76), Jacqueline Carlin (1976-80), and Jayni Luke (1982-present). He has three daughters with his third wife, Jayni Luke. Throughout his career, he faced personal challenges such as prescription painkiller addiction in 1986 and alcoholism in 2016.

Philanthropy and Activism

As a liberal environmentalist and philanthropist, Chase has been involved in political campaigns for Bill Clinton and John Kerry. He also made derogatory comments about President George W. Bush in 2004, which led to some controversy.

Awards and Recognition

Chase received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1993, making him one of the few comedians to achieve such recognition. He has also been honored with The Harvard Lampoon’s Lifetime Achievement Award (1996) and a Golden Palm Star (1998).

Conclusion

Chevy Chase’s journey from a young man in Lower Manhattan to one of the most recognizable faces in American comedy is nothing short of inspiring. His career, marked by both triumphs and challenges, continues to influence generations of comedians and entertainers. As we reflect on his legacy, it’s clear that Chevy Chase has left an indelible mark on the world of entertainment.