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Chevy Chase's Candid Reflections on SNL, Community, and Health Battles
8 Oct
Summary
- Chase, an original SNL cast member, has returned to host multiple times.
- His exit from 'Community' involved disputes and a reported use of a slur.
- Chase experienced heart failure in 2021, leading to memory loss.
Cornelius Crane Chase's career began with co-founding the comedy ensemble Channel One and writing for The National Lampoon Radio Hour.
He rose to fame as an original Saturday Night Live cast member in 1975, originating the "Weekend Update" segment and winning two Emmys. Chase left SNL mid-season two but has hosted numerous times since.
His subsequent film career included hits like Caddyshack (1980) and National Lampoon's Vacation (1983). Chase met his wife, Jayni, while working on the 1981 film Under the Rainbow; they married in 1982 and have three daughters.
Chase later starred in the cult favorite series Community, though his tenure was marked by conflict with showrunner Dan Harmon, leading to his 2012 firing after a reported incident involving a slur. Chase has stated the situation was a misunderstanding.
In 2021, Chase was hospitalized for heart failure and placed in a coma, experiencing memory loss. Recently, he attended the SNL50 celebration in 2025, expressing disappointment at not being included in certain segments.
Chase now lives a lower-profile life, cherishing family moments, including becoming a grandfather in August 2024.
