Chevy Chase

President Gerald R. Ford Talking with Chevy Chase, Saturday Night Live Producer Lorne Michaels, John Belushi, Dan Aykroyd, and Others at the 32nd Annual Radio and Television Correspondents Association Dinner - NARA - 30805929

Chevy Chase 1976

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Chevy Chase 1980

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President Ronald Reagan greeting Chevy Chase

Gerald Ford and Chevy Chase

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Chevy Chase is an American actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his work on the television show Saturday Night Live (SNL) and in the National Lampoon's Vacation film series. Born Cornelius Crane Chase on October 8, 1943, in Lower Manhattan, New York, he grew up in a prominent family with connections to the entertainment industry. Chase's early career included co-founding the comedy ensemble Channel One and writing for the Smothers Brothers and National Lampoon. His breakthrough came as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live in 1975, where his Weekend Update segment became a staple of the show.

Early Life

Chevy Chase was born into a family with deep roots in the entertainment and publishing industries. His father, Edward Tinsley Chase, was a book editor and magazine writer, and his mother, Cathalene Parker, was a concert pianist and librettist. Chase attended several prestigious schools, including the Riverdale Country School and the Stockbridge School, before enrolling at Bard College, where he studied a pre-med curriculum but ultimately graduated with a degree in English.

Career

Saturday Night Live

Chase was part of the original cast of Saturday Night Live, which premiered in 1975. His impersonations and his role as the anchor for the show's Weekend Update segment quickly made him a household name. Despite his success, Chase left SNL after its first season to pursue a career in film, though he would return to host the show several times in subsequent years.

Film Career

After leaving SNL, Chase found success in the film industry, particularly in comedic roles. His portrayal of Clark Griswold in the National Lampoon's Vacation series became one of his most iconic characters. Chase also starred in other notable films such as Caddyshack (1980), Fletch (1985), and its sequel Fletch Lives (1989). Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Chase was a leading figure in American comedy, although his career faced challenges in the following decades.

Personal Life

Chase has been married three times and has four children. He has been open about his struggles with substance abuse and his experiences in rehabilitation. Despite these challenges, Chase has continued to work in film and television, including a notable role on the NBC comedy series Community from 2009 to 2014.

Legacy

Chevy Chase's impact on comedy, particularly through his work on Saturday Night Live and in film, has been significant. He is credited with helping to define the comedic voice of his generation and remains a beloved figure in American entertainment. His style, characterized by a blend of slapstick, deadpan, and physical comedy, has influenced countless comedians and actors.