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 2024
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).
Chevy Chase Biography Details
| Birth name | Cornelius Crane Chase |
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| Born | October 8, 1943 (age 81)
New York City, U.S. |
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| Alma mater | Bard College (BA) |
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| Years active | 1967–present |
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| Genres | - Sketch comedy
- improvisational comedy
- physical comedy
- slapstick
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| Spouse | |
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| Children | Caylee Leigh Chase, Emily Rachelle Chase, Cydney Chase |
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| Relative(s) | Miles Browning (maternal grandfather)
Frank Swift Chase (granduncle)
Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane (adoptive maternal grandfather)
Edward Leigh Chase (paternal grandfather) |
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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.
