Early Life and Education of Chevy Chase: A Complete Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: November 22, 2025

An overview of the childhood and early education of Chevy Chase, highlighting the experiences that shaped the journey.

Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase, is a prominent American comedian, actor, and writer. His career took off with his pivotal role in the inaugural season of Saturday Night Live (1975-1976). During his time on SNL, his 'Weekend Update' segment became highly popular. Chase's contributions as both a performer and writer on the show were recognized with two Primetime Emmy Awards from four nominations. He is considered one of the original Not Ready For Prime Time Players.

Sections (4)

Full Timeline Early Life & Education Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

1919: Birth of Edward Tinsley "Ned" Chase

In 1919, Edward Tinsley "Ned" Chase, Chevy Chase's father, was born.

1923: Birth of Cathalene Parker

In 1923, Cathalene Parker, Chevy Chase's mother, was born.

October 8, 1943: Chevy Chase's Birth

On October 8, 1943, Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase was born. He would later become a comedian, actor, and writer.

1962: Graduation as Valedictorian

In 1962, Chevy Chase graduated as valedictorian from the Stockbridge School.

1963: Attendance at Haverford College

During the 1962-1963 term, Chevy Chase attended Haverford College, noted for his slapstick comedy.

1967: Graduation from Bard College

In 1967, Chevy Chase graduated from Bard College with a Bachelor of Arts in English.

February 23, 1973: Married Susan Hewitt

On February 23, 1973, Chevy Chase married Susan Hewitt in New York City.

February 1, 1976: Divorced Susan Hewitt

On February 1, 1976, Chevy Chase divorced Susan Hewitt.

December 4, 1976: Married Jacqueline Carlin

On December 4, 1976, Chevy Chase married Jacqueline Carlin.

November 14, 1980: Divorced Jacqueline Carlin

On November 14, 1980, Chevy Chase divorced Jacqueline Carlin.

1980: Near-Electrocution during Modern Problems

In 1980, Chevy Chase narrowly escaped death by electrocution during the filming of Modern Problems.

1980: Resided in Pacific Palisades

In 1980, Chevy Chase resided in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles, in a Tudor-style home.

June 19, 1982: Married Jayni Luke

On June 19, 1982, Chevy Chase married his third wife, Jayni Luke, in Pacific Palisades. They have three daughters.

1982: Marriage to Jayni Luke

In 1982, Chevy Chase married Jayni Luke.

1982: Ernie Kovacs documentary

In 1982, Chevy Chase spoke of Ernie Kovacs's influence on his work in an appearance in the documentary called Ernie Kovacs: Television's Original Genius.

1986: Admitted to Betty Ford Center for painkiller addiction

In 1986, Chevy Chase was admitted to the Betty Ford Center for treatment of a prescription painkiller addiction, stemming from back pain related to his Saturday Night Live pratfalls.

1986: Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades

In 1986, Chevy Chase was the Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades.

1988: Ended Term as Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades

In 1988, Chevy Chase ended his term as Honorary Mayor of Pacific Palisades.

January 1989: Appearance on The Pat Sajak Show

In January 1989, Chevy Chase appeared on the just-launched late-night The Pat Sajak Show and claimed he tricked his draft board into believing he deserved a 4-F classification by falsely claiming that he had "homosexual tendencies".

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1995: Left Pacific Palisades Home

In 1995, Chevy Chase left his Tudor-style home in Pacific Palisades, Los Angeles.

2002: Roasted by the New York Friars Club

In 2002, Chevy Chase was roasted by the New York Friars Club for a Comedy Central television special, noted for being unusually vitriolic.

2003: Statement from David Felsen

In a 2003 interview, David Felsen, Chevy Chase's former roommate, asserted that Chase left Haverford College for academic reasons.

2004: Campaign for John Kerry

In 2004, Chevy Chase campaigned for Democratic presidential nominee John Kerry.

2004: Mocked George W. Bush at People for the American Way benefit

In 2004, Chevy Chase mocked Republican President George W. Bush during a speech at a People for the American Way benefit, causing upset among organizers and the crowd.

2005: Death of both parents

In 2005, both of Chevy Chase's parents died.

2007: Childhood Abuse Revelation

In 2007, a biography revealed Chevy Chase's claims of physical and psychological abuse during his childhood.

2008: Endorsed Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign

In 2008, Chevy Chase endorsed Hillary Clinton's presidential campaign.

2009: Urban Legend Verification

During an interview in 2009 on the Today show, Chevy Chase ostensibly verified the urban legend that he was expelled from Haverford College for harboring a cow in his fourth floor room.