Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase born October 8, 1943 is a renowned American comedian, actor, and writer. He rose to fame as one of the breakout cast members on Saturday Night Live during its first season (1975-1976), where his signature segment, Weekend Update, became one of the show’s defining features. As both a performer and writer, Chase won two Primetime Emmy Awards from four nominations. Following his departure from SNL in the second season, Chase cemented his status as a leading comedic actor in Hollywood with several hit films throughout the 1980s.
Chevy Chase Biography 2025
Chase is best known for his roles in iconic comedy films such as Caddyshack (1980), National Lampoon’s Vacation series, Fletch (1985), and Three Amigos (1986). In addition to his film career, he hosted the Academy Awards twice (1987 and 1988) and briefly had his own late-night talk show, The Chevy Chase Show (1993). Later in his career, Chase gained a resurgence of popularity playing the eccentric Pierce Hawthorne on NBC’s Community (2009-2014).
Miles Browning (maternal grandfather)
Frank Swift Chase (granduncle)
Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane (adoptive maternal grandfather)
Edward Leigh Chase (paternal grandfather)
Chevy Chase Early Life
Chase was born on October 8, 1943, in Lower Manhattan, New York City, and grew up in Woodstock, New York. He is the son of Edward Tinsley “Ned” Chase, a Princeton-educated book editor, and Cathalene Parker, a concert pianist and librettist. His maternal grandfather, Rear Admiral Miles Browning, served as Chief of Staff during the Battle of Midway in World War II. Chase’s name “Chevy” was given to him by his grandmother, inspired by the medieval ballad The Ballad of Chevy Chase. He hails from a distinguished lineage, with ancestors including Mayflower passengers and signers of the Mayflower Compact.
Chase attended several prestigious schools, beginning with Riverdale Country School, where he was eventually expelled. He went on to graduate as valedictorian from the Stockbridge School in Massachusetts, where he earned a reputation for his humorous antics. Chase later attended Haverford College and Bard College, where he completed his Bachelor of Arts in English in 1967. Though he initially pursued pre-med studies, Chase abandoned that path and did not attend medical school. Instead, he focused on his passion for music, playing drums in a band called Chamaeleon Church, which recorded an album in 1969.
Chevy Chase Career Beginnings
Career Phase
Description
Early Career in Comedy
Began as a writer and performer in National Lampoon Radio Hour
Saturday Night Live
Joined SNL in 1975, became breakout star with Weekend Update
Film Roles in the 1980s
Film Title
Role Played
Foul Play
Tony Carlson (Lead Role)
Caddyshack
Ty Webb (Iconic role)
National Lampoon’s Vacation
Clark Griswold (Breakout role)
The Rise of Chevy Chase in Hollywood
Hollywood Success
Key Achievements
Vacation Series
Starred in multiple films as Clark Griswold
Fletch Films
Portrayed Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher
Chevy Chase’s Role in Saturday Night Live
Role
Contribution/Impact
Weekend Update Host
Became a staple and earned Emmy Awards
Writer
Contributed to the sketch writing team
Iconic Characters and Comedy Roles
Character Name
Film or Show
Clark Griswold
National Lampoon’s Vacation Series
Fletch
Fletch and Fletch Lives
Ty Webb
Caddyshack and Caddyshack II
Awards and Recognition
Award Type
Year and Result
Primetime Emmy Awards
2 Wins for Outstanding Writing
Golden Globe Nomination
Foul Play for Best Actor – Comedy
Hollywood Walk of Fame
Star placed in 1993
Personal Life of Chevy Chase
Aspect
Details
Marriages
Three marriages, three daughters
Children
Cydney, Caley, Emily
Residency
Pacific Palisades, then Bedford, NY
Chevy Chase’s Battle with Substance Abuse
Substance Issue
Details
Prescription Addiction
Entered Betty Ford Center in 1986
Alcoholism
Treated at Hazelden Clinic in 2016
Political Views and Activism
Political Activity
Notable Contributions
Environmental Advocacy
Active environmentalist, supports liberal causes
Political Campaigns
Supported Clinton and Kerry campaigns
The Chevy Chase Show (1993)
Aspect
Details
Format
Late-night talk show format
Outcome
Canceled after a brief run
Conflict with Bill Murray
Incident
Details
Fistfight on SNL
Disagreement over personal remarks
Reconciliation
Reunited for Caddyshack film
Role on Community (2009–2014)
Role
Contribution/Impact
Pierce Hawthorne
Played a bigoted, aging tycoon
Departure
Left after on-set conflict with creator Dan Harmon
Later Years and Resurgence
Project
Year and Outcome
Vacation (2015)
Cameo appearance as Clark Griswold
The Last Laugh (2019)
Co-starred with Richard Dreyfuss
Recent Work (2010–2020s)
Project
Role Played
Hot Tub Time Machine
Repairman
The Very Excellent Mr. Dundee
Played Himself
Zombie Town
Mezmarian
Relationships and Family Life
Marriage
Details
First Marriage (1973-1976)
Married Suzanne Hewitt
Second Marriage (1976-1980)
Married Jacqueline Carlin
Third Marriage (1982–present)
Married Jayni Luke
Filmography (Selected Highlights)
Film Title
Year
Role Played
Caddyshack
1980
Ty Webb
National Lampoon’s Vacation
1983
Clark Griswold
Fletch
1985
Irwin “Fletch” Fletcher
Legacy in Comedy
Legacy Aspect
Details
Influential Work
Pioneered slapstick and satirical humor
Cultural Impact
Iconic status in American comedy
Chevy Chase Net Worth
He has an estimated net worth of $50 million.
Chevy Chase Summary
Chevy Chase has firmly cemented his legacy as one of the most influential figures in comedy history. With a career spanning television, film, and live performances, he helped shape the entertainment landscape with iconic roles and memorable performances. Despite controversies and challenges, his work continues to resonate with audiences around the world. From his breakout role on Saturday Night Live to his return to television in Community, Chase’s humor and legacy remain unmatched, making him a true legend in comedy.
