50 Facts About Chevy Chase

Early Life and Family

Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase, has a fascinating background that shaped his unique comedic style.

1. Named After Grandfather: Named after his adoptive grandfather, Cornelius Vanderbilt Crane, Chevy's grandmother gave him the nickname "Chevy" from the medieval English ballad "The Ballad of Chevy Chase."

2. Rich Ancestry: His family history is deeply rooted in America, with ancestors arriving in Manhattan in 1624. Among them were John Howland and William Brewster, who arrived at Plymouth Rock with the Mayflower passengers in 1620.

3. Education: Chase attended Haverford College before transferring to Bard College in New York. Initially studying pre-med, he switched his major to English.

Musical Beginnings

Before comedy, Chevy Chase had a promising start in music.

4. College Band: He played drums with The Leather Canary, a college band that included future Steely Dan members Walter Becker and Donald Fagen. Despite being a "very good drummer," he left to pursue comedy.

5. Perfect Pitch: Chase possesses perfect pitch, a rare ability to identify or sing a note without any reference, which also influenced his comedic timing.

Early Career in Comedy

Chevy Chase's journey into comedy began with writing and radio.

6. MAD Magazine: His first comedy writing gig was at MAD Magazine in 1970, where he wrote a comic strip parody of Mission: Impossible.

7. National Lampoon Radio Hour: Chase honed his comedic skills on the National Lampoon Radio Hour, alongside future SNL stars like John Belushi, Bill Murray, and Gilda Radner.

Saturday Night Live (SNL)

Chevy Chase's breakout role on SNL catapulted him to stardom.

8. SNL Debut: Chase became a standout cast member in SNL's first season (1975-1976), particularly known for his Weekend Update segment.

9. Weekend Update: His Weekend Update segments were a hit, introducing each show with "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night," often preceded by a pratfall known as "The Fall of the Week."

10. Physical Comedy: Chase's portrayal of President Gerald Ford as a bumbling klutz became iconic, helping shape Ford's public image.

Impact and Legacy

Chevy Chase's influence on SNL and comedy is undeniable.

11. SNL Impact: Rolling Stone ranked Chase tenth in overall importance among all SNL cast members, highlighting his role in defining the show's humor.

12. Golden Globe Award: He received a Golden Globe for his comedy writing and live acting on SNL, solidifying his status as a comedic genius.

Transition to Film

Chase's success on SNL opened doors to a thriving film career.

13. Film Debut: His breakout film role came in the 1978 comedy classic, National Lampoon’s Animal House.

14. Fletch Franchise: Chase's portrayal of Irwin Fletcher in the Fletch movies showcased his quick wit and sharp comedic timing.

15. National Lampoon’s Vacation: He became synonymous with the National Lampoon brand, starring in several films like National Lampoon’s Vacation, European Vacation, and Christmas Vacation.

Iconic Roles

Chevy Chase's film roles have left a lasting impression on audiences.

16. Caddyshack: His role in the cult classic Caddyshack demonstrated his comedic chops and golf prowess.

17. Voice Acting: Chase lent his voice to various animated films, most notably as Elliot the Moose in Open Season.

Awards and Recognitions

Chase's talent has been recognized with numerous awards.

18. Emmy Awards: He won two Primetime Emmy Awards in 1975 for Outstanding Writing in a Comedy-Variety or Music Special for The Paul Simon Special.

19. Comedy Albums: Chase released several successful comedy albums in the 1970s, showcasing his storytelling and improvisation skills.

Influence and Style

Chase's comedic style has been shaped by various influences.

20. Presidential Connection: His portrayal of President Gerald Ford on SNL created a lasting impression on American pop culture.

21. Physical Comedy Influence: Influenced by The Honeymooners, particularly Art Carney, Chase developed his unique style of physical humor.

SNL Cast Dynamics

The dynamics between Chase and other SNL cast members were complex.

22. Cast Tensions: His rivalry with John Belushi was well-documented, with some cast members even engaging in fist fights over perceived slights.

23. Dan Aykroyd’s Praise: Dan Aykroyd once said, “Chevy put SNL where it is, and Chevy’s film work was worldwide currency for SNL.”

Career Highlights

Chase's career is filled with memorable moments and achievements.

24. Lorne Michaels’ Hiring: Hired by Lorne Michaels as the head writer of SNL, Chase quickly became an on-camera star, earning $800 a week for both writing and performing.

25. Groove Tube Connection: Before SNL, Chase worked on The Groove Tube, gaining valuable experience in underground television.

26. Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: He also wrote for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, laying the groundwork for his future success on SNL.

Legacy and Influence

Chase's legacy continues to influence comedy today.

27. The Great American Dream Machine: His first national exposure came from this groundbreaking PBS series, blending elements of variety shows and news programs.

28. Ernie Kovacs Influence: Chase acknowledged Ernie Kovacs’s influence on his work, blending physical humor with surreal elements.

29. SNL Legacy: Despite leaving SNL after its first season, Chase's impact on the show's humor and success is still celebrated.

Film Success

Chase's film career includes numerous iconic roles.

30. Three Amigos Fun: Chase once said that Three Amigos was the most fun he had making a movie, starring alongside Martin Short and Steve Martin.

31. Perfect Pitch in Music: His perfect pitch not only helped in music but also influenced his comedic timing.

32. Steely Dan Connection: Chase played drums with Walter Becker and Donald Fagen at Bard College, who later formed Steely Dan.

33. Chamaeleon Church: He played drums and keyboards for this rock band, which recorded one album before disbanding in 1969.

Hosting and Versatility

Chase's versatility extends beyond acting and music.

34. Oscar Hosting: He hosted the Oscars twice in the '80s, showcasing his snarky comedic style.

35. Comedic Timing: Known for his precise comedic timing, Chase's ability to deliver punchlines and create memorable characters is unmatched.

36. Physical Comedy Style: His unique physical comedy style, influenced by The Honeymooners, has become iconic in American comedy.

Complex Relationships

Chase's relationships with fellow SNL cast members were often tumultuous.

37. SNL Cast Dynamics: His rivalry with John Belushi and other cast members contributed to the show's unique brand of humor.

38. Dan Aykroyd’s Praise: Aykroyd praised Chase for his contributions to SNL, highlighting his significant impact on the show's success.

Career Milestones

Chase's career is marked by numerous milestones and achievements.

39. Lorne Michaels’ Hiring: Hired as the head writer of SNL, Chase quickly became an on-camera star, earning $800 a week for both writing and performing.

40. Groove Tube Connection: Before SNL, Chase worked on The Groove Tube, gaining valuable experience in underground television.

41. Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour: He also wrote for The Smothers Brothers Comedy Hour, laying the groundwork for his future success on SNL.

Enduring Legacy

Chase's contributions to comedy have left a lasting legacy.

42. The Great American Dream Machine: His first national exposure came from this groundbreaking PBS series, blending elements of variety shows and news programs.

43. Ernie Kovacs Influence: Chase acknowledged Ernie Kovacs’s influence on his work, blending physical humor with surreal elements.

44. SNL Legacy: Despite leaving SNL after its first season, Chase's impact on the show's humor and success is still celebrated.

Film Success

Chase's film career includes numerous iconic roles.

45. Three Amigos Fun: Chase once said that Three Amigos was the most fun he had making a movie, starring alongside Martin Short and Steve Martin.

46. Perfect Pitch in Music: His perfect pitch not only helped in music but also influenced his comedic timing.

47. Steely Dan Connection: Chase played drums with Walter Becker and Donald Fagen at Bard College, who later formed Steely Dan.

48. Chamaeleon Church: He played drums and keyboards for this rock band, which recorded one album before disbanding in 1969.

Hosting and Versatility

Chase's versatility extends beyond acting and music.

49. Oscar Hosting: He hosted the Oscars twice in the '80s, showcasing his snarky comedic style.

50. Comedic Timing: Known for his precise comedic timing, Chase's ability to deliver punchlines and create memorable characters is unmatched.

Chevy Chase: A Comedy Legend

Chevy Chase has left an unforgettable mark on comedy. From his early days on Saturday Night Live to iconic roles in films like National Lampoon’s Vacation and Caddyshack, his career spans decades of laughter. Known for his sharp wit, physical comedy, and memorable characters, Chase's influence on American humor is undeniable. His work on SNL, especially the Weekend Update segments, set a high bar for future comedians. Despite ups and downs, his contributions to comedy remain significant. Whether through his perfect pitch in music or his knack for physical gags, Chase's unique style continues to entertain. His legacy in the entertainment world is a testament to his talent and dedication. Chevy Chase will always be remembered as a comedy legend who brought joy to millions.