Early Life

Chevy Chase was born as Cornelius Crane Chase on October 8, 1943, in New York City, to Edward Tinsley “Ned” Chase, a prominent Manhattan book editor, and Cathalene Parker (née Browning), a concert pianist.

The Nickname

The nickname “Chevy” was coined by his grandmother, who took it from the “Chevy” body style of the Chevrolet cars that were popular in the 1930s.

Collegiate Pursuits

Chase attended Haverford College but transferred to Bard College in New York, where he studied pre-med initially before changing his major to English.

SNL Breakthrough

Chevy Chase was one of the founding members of the groundbreaking sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live (SNL), where his recurring Weekend Update segments became an instant hit.

From SNL to the Big Screen

His success on SNL led to Chase transitioning into the world of film, with his breakout role coming in the 1978 comedy classic, “National Lampoon’s Animal House”.

“Fletch” Franchise

Chase’s portrayal of the witty and investigative journalist, Irwin Fletcher, in the “Fletch” movies cemented his status as a leading man in the comedy genre.

Collaborations with National Lampoon

Chevy Chase became synonymous with the National Lampoon brand, starring in several films like “National Lampoon’s Vacation”, “European Vacation”, and “Christmas Vacation”.

“Caddyshack” Classic

He showcased his golf prowess and comedic chops in the cult classic film, “Caddyshack”, which has since become a beloved staple in sports comedy.

A Versatile Voice Actor

In addition to his on-camera success, Chase has also lent his voice to various animated films, including the lovable character of Elliot the Moose in “Open Season”.

Emmy Award Winner

Chevy Chase won two Primetime Emmy Awards in 1975 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Special for “The Paul Simon Special.

Physical Comedy Genius

Chase is renowned for his physical comedy skills, often utilizing slapstick humor and physical gags to elicit laughter from his audience.

Dance Moves

His signature dance moves, including the notorious “Caddyshack” golf swing, have become iconic moments in his films.

The Griswold Legacy

Chevy Chase’s portrayal of Clark Griswold in the “National Lampoon’s Vacation” series has made the character one of the most beloved and memorable in comedy movie history.

Hosting the Academy Awards

In 1988, Chase hosted the 60th Academy Awards ceremony, bringing his wit and humor to the prestigious event.

Musical Talents

Chase is not only a talented actor but also an accomplished musician, playing various instruments such as the drums and piano.

Stand-up Comedy

Prior to his acting career, Chase honed his comedic skills as a stand-up comedian, performing in various clubs and venues across the United States.

Political Activism

Chevy Chase has been actively involved in political activism, lending his voice to several causes and campaigns throughout the years.

Saturday Night Live Feud

His departure from SNL in 1976 was marred by a highly publicized feud with the show’s creator and producer, Lorne Michaels.

Injured on Set

Chase is known for performing his own stunts, but his dedication to physical comedy led to various injuries on film sets throughout his career.

Voice of Family Guy

Chase also made a guest appearance on the hit animated series “Family Guy” as the voice of the character Pierce.

Broadway Debut

In 1980, Chase made his Broadway debut in the play “Lulu.

The Original “Weekend Update” Anchor

Chase’s time on SNL’s “Weekend Update” segment paved the way for future anchors, setting the tone for the popular news parody format.

The “Three Amigos!”

Chevy Chase starred alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short in the comedic Western film, “Three Amigos!”, solidifying his comedy prowess.

Musical Collaborations

Chase has collaborated with various musical artists, including performing with Paul Simon on the hit song “You Can Call Me Al”.

Boxing Match with Bill Murray

Chase and fellow comedian Bill Murray engaged in a highly publicized boxing match when they both appeared as guests on “Saturday Night Live”.

Hitchcock Parody

Chevy Chase parodied the iconic filmmaker Alfred Hitchcock in the comedy sketch “A Man and His Chicken” on SNL.

Television Success

Aside from his film career, Chase has found success on the small screen, starring in hit shows like “Community” and “Saturday Night Live”.

“Modern Problems”

In 1981, Chase starred in the comedy film “Modern Problems”, which showcased his abilities as a physical comedian.

The Voice of Chase Bank

Chevy Chase provides the voiceover for Chase Bank commercials, adding his distinct voice and charm to the advertisements.

Memorable Talk Show Appearances

Chevy Chase has made memorable appearances on various talk shows, including “Late Night with Conan O’Brien” and “The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson”.

Comedy Central Roast

In 2002, Chase was the honoree of a Comedy Central Roast, where his fellow comedians lovingly poked fun at him.

Autobiography Release

In 2007, Chase released his autobiography titled “Chevy Chase: Iconography”, chronicling his life and career in the entertainment industry.

His Own Television Show

Chevy Chase had his own short-lived talk show, “The Chevy Chase Show”, which premiered in 1993.

Golf Enthusiast

Chase is an avid golfer and has participated in numerous celebrity golf tournaments.

UFO Enthusiast

Chevy Chase has an interest in UFOs and has claimed to have witnessed unidentified flying objects himself.

Joining the “Community” cast

Chevy Chase joined the ensemble cast of the hit sitcom “Community” as the character Pierce Hawthorne.

Memorable Impressions

Chase is known for his spot-on impressions, including former President Gerald Ford and talk show host Richard Nixon.

Friendship with Paul Simon

Chase and singer-songwriter Paul Simon are longtime friends and have collaborated on various projects, including several appearances on SNL.

Wedding Crasher

Chevy Chase made a cameo appearance as himself in the hit comedy film “Wedding Crashers”, adding his comedic flair to the movie.

Comedy Legend Recognition

In 2002, Chevy Chase was honored with the Comedy Legend Award at the annual Comedy Awards ceremony.

Personal Struggles

Chase has battled personal struggles throughout his life, including addiction and health issues, which he has discussed openly in interviews.

Voice of Cartoon Characters

Chevy Chase has provided the voices for various animated characters, including the narrator in “The Secret Lives of Animals”.

Presidential Connection

Chase starred as President Gerald Ford on SNL, creating several memorable skits that poked fun at Ford’s image.

Comedy Records

Chevy Chase released several comedy albums in the 1970s, which showcased his talent for storytelling and improvisation.

Enduring Legacy

Despite ups and downs, Chevy Chase’s contributions to comedy have left a lasting legacy, ensuring his place in the annals of entertainment history.

So there you have it, 45 fascinating facts about Chevy Chase that showcase his talent, versatility, and enduring influence in the world of comedy and entertainment.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Chevy Chase is a legendary figure in the entertainment industry with a rich and diverse career spanning over several decades. From his early breakthrough on Saturday Night Live to his iconic roles in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation series, Chase has left an indelible mark on comedy. His unique comedic timing, distinctive physicality, and effortless charm have made him a beloved figure in the hearts of millions of fans around the world.

While his career has certainly faced challenges and controversies along the way, Chase’s contributions to the world of comedy cannot be denied. His ability to bring laughter to audiences is a testament to his talent and dedication as an entertainer.

As we continue to enjoy his timeless performances and eagerly anticipate his future endeavors, let us remember Chevy Chase as a true trailblazer in the world of comedy and celebrate his undeniable influence on pop culture.

FAQs

1. When was Chevy Chase born?

Chevy Chase was born on October 8, 1943.

2. What is Chevy Chase’s real name?

Chevy Chase’s real name is Cornelius Crane Chase.

3. What is Chevy Chase’s most famous role?

Chevy Chase is best known for his role as Clark Griswold in the National Lampoon’s Vacation series.

4. Has Chevy Chase won any awards?

Yes, Chevy Chase has won several awards throughout his career, including a Primetime Emmy Award for his work on Saturday Night Live.

5. What other movies has Chevy Chase appeared in?

Aside from the National Lampoon’s Vacation series, Chevy Chase has appeared in films like Caddyshack, Fletch, and Three Amigos!