History of Chevy Chase in Timeline
Chevy Chase is a well-known American comedian, actor, and writer. He rose to fame as a cast member on Saturday Night Live (SNL) from 1975 to 1976. His popular "Weekend Update" segment became a recurring feature on the show. For his work on SNL, he was nominated for four Primetime Emmy Awards and won twice.
1919: Birth of Chevy Chase's Father
Edward Tinsley "Ned" Chase, Chevy Chase's father, was born in 1919.
1923: Birth of Chevy Chase's Mother
Cathalene Parker, Chevy Chase's mother, was born in 1923.
October 8, 1943: Birth of Chevy Chase
On October 8, 1943, Cornelius Crane "Chevy" Chase was born. He would go on to achieve fame as a comedian, actor, and writer.
1962: Graduation from Stockbridge School
Chevy Chase graduated as valedictorian from Stockbridge School in 1962.
1963: Attends Haverford College
Chevy Chase attended Haverford College in 1962-1963, where he was known for his slapstick humor.
1967: Co-Founds Channel One Comedy Ensemble
Chevy Chase co-founded the underground comedy group Channel One in 1967.
1967: Graduation from Bard College
Chevy Chase earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Bard College in 1967.
1969: Chameleon Church Disbands
Chevy Chase's rock band, Chameleon Church, disbanded in 1969 after recording one album.
1970: Writes for Mad Magazine
Chevy Chase wrote a spoof of "Mission: Impossible" for Mad magazine in 1970.
February 23, 1973: First Marriage to Susan Hewitt
Chevy Chase married Susan Hewitt in New York City on February 23, 1973.
1973: Joins "The National Lampoon Radio Hour"
Chevy Chase joined the team of the satirical radio show "The National Lampoon Radio Hour" in 1973.
October 1975: Famous Saturday Night Live Introduction
Starting in October 1975, Chevy Chase became known for introducing most episodes of "Saturday Night Live" with the phrase, "Live from New York, it's Saturday Night!"
1975: Writes for "The Smothers Brothers" Comeback
In 1975, Chevy Chase contributed his writing talents to the short-lived comeback of "The Smothers Brothers" TV show.
1975: Saturday Night Live Debut
Chevy Chase joined the cast of the brand-new sketch comedy show, Saturday Night Live, in 1975. His work on the show would prove to be hugely influential.
1975: "The Funniest Man in America"
In 1975, Chevy Chase was featured in a New York magazine cover story that dubbed him "The Funniest Man in America." NBC executives even saw him as a potential successor to Johnny Carson.
February 1, 1976: Divorce from Susan Hewitt
Chevy Chase and Susan Hewitt divorced on February 1, 1976.
December 4, 1976: Marriage to Jacqueline Carlin
Chevy Chase married Jacqueline Carlin on December 4, 1976.
1976: Departure from "Saturday Night Live"
Chevy Chase left his full-time role on "Saturday Night Live" in 1976.
1976: Departure from Saturday Night Live
In 1976, Chevy Chase left Saturday Night Live to pursue a career in film.
1976: Departure from Saturday Night Live
In late 1976, Chevy Chase became the first original cast member to leave "Saturday Night Live." He moved to Los Angeles and married Jacqueline Carlin.
May 4, 1977: First Appearance on The Tonight Show
On May 4, 1977, Chevy Chase made his first appearance on "The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson," where he was promoting a prime-time special for NBC.
1978: Physical Altercation with Bill Murray
During a return visit to host "Saturday Night Live" in 1978, Chevy Chase was involved in a backstage fistfight with cast member Bill Murray after a heated exchange of insults.
1978: Hosting Saturday Night Live
Chevy Chase hosted "Saturday Night Live" multiple times between 1978 and 1997.
1978: Breakout Role in "Foul Play"
Chevy Chase's role in the 1978 romantic comedy "Foul Play" helped establish him as a leading man in Hollywood and earned him a Golden Globe nomination.
November 14, 1980: Divorce from Jacqueline Carlin
Chevy Chase's second marriage ended in divorce on November 14, 1980, when he and Jacqueline Carlin split.
1980: Reconciliation and Collaboration with Bill Murray
Chevy Chase and Bill Murray put their past differences aside to co-star in the comedy classic "Caddyshack" in 1980.
1980: Near-Death Experience on Set
Chevy Chase experienced a near-fatal electrocution on the set of "Modern Problems" in 1980. The incident, coupled with his recent divorce from Jacqueline Carlin, led to a period of depression.
1980: "Caddyshack" and "Oh! Heavenly Dog" Released
Chevy Chase starred in two successful comedies in 1980, "Caddyshack" and "Oh! Heavenly Dog", solidifying his comedic talent in Hollywood.
1980: Release of "Caddyshack" and "Seems Like Old Times"
Chevy Chase starred in two successful comedies in 1980: "Caddyshack," a major box office success, and "Seems Like Old Times" with Goldie Hawn. He also released a self-titled record album this year.
1981: "Modern Problems" Released
Chevy Chase starred in the comedy "Modern Problems", released in 1981.
June 19, 1982: Marriage to Jayni Luke
On June 19, 1982, Chevy Chase married Jayni Luke in Pacific Palisades. The couple have three daughters together.
1982: Marriage to Jayni Luke
Chevy Chase married Jayni Luke in 1982.
1982: Acknowledging Ernie Kovacs' Influence
In 1982, Chevy Chase publicly acknowledged the influence of comedian Ernie Kovacs on his work, both during his Emmy Award acceptance speech and in the documentary "Ernie Kovacs: Television's Original Genius."
1983: Release of "National Lampoon's Vacation"
Chevy Chase starred in "National Lampoon's Vacation," directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, which became his most successful film at that time.
1985: "Fletch" and "Spies Like Us" Released
1985 saw the release of two more Chevy Chase films: the action-comedy "Fletch" and the spy comedy "Spies Like Us", further cementing his presence in the comedy genre.
1985: Release of "National Lampoon's European Vacation"
Chevy Chase reprised his role in the sequel "National Lampoon's European Vacation."
1985: Release of "Fletch"
Chevy Chase starred in "Fletch," the first of two films based on Gregory Mcdonald's books, which became a box office success.
1986: "¡Three Amigos!" Released
Chevy Chase continued his comedic ventures with "¡Three Amigos!", released in 1986.
1986: Appearance in Paul Simon's Music Video
Chevy Chase made a memorable appearance in the music video for Paul Simon's song "You Can Call Me Al," lip-syncing the lyrics.
1986: Treatment for Painkiller Addiction
Chevy Chase sought treatment for a painkiller addiction at the Betty Ford Center in 1986. The addiction stemmed from chronic back pain he sustained from stunts during his time on "Saturday Night Live".
1986: Release of "Three Amigos"
Chevy Chase starred alongside Steve Martin and Martin Short in the comedy "Three Amigos," which he later described as his most enjoyable film-making experience.
1987: Production Deal with Warner Bros.
Chevy Chase's company, Cornelius Productions, secured a deal with Warner Bros. to develop multiple feature film projects.
1987: First Time Hosting the Academy Awards
Chevy Chase's success as a comedic actor led him to host the Academy Awards for the first time in 1987.
1988: Release of "Funny Farm" and Hosting the Academy Awards
Chevy Chase starred in the hit comedy "Funny Farm" and hosted the Academy Awards for the second consecutive year, opening with the memorable line: "Good evening, Hollywood phonies!"
1988: "Caddyshack II" Released
Chevy Chase reprised his role as Ty Webb in "Caddyshack II", released in 1988.
1988: Second Time Hosting the Academy Awards
Chevy Chase hosted the Academy Awards for the second time in 1988.
January 1989: Chevy Chase Discusses Avoiding the Draft
In January 1989, Chevy Chase appeared on "The Pat Sajak Show" and alleged that he avoided being drafted during the Vietnam War by falsely claiming to have homosexual tendencies.
1989: "Fletch Lives" Released
Chevy Chase returned as Irwin "Fletch" Fletcher in "Fletch Lives", released in 1989.
1989: Release of "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation"
Chevy Chase starred in the third installment of the Vacation series, "National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation," which became a holiday favorite.
1991: Performance at Central Park and "Voices That Care"
Chevy Chase joined Paul Simon on stage at a free concert in Central Park. He also participated in recording the song and music video "Voices That Care" to support US troops during Operation Desert Storm.
1992: Release of "Memoirs of an Invisible Man"
Chevy Chase starred in the film "Memoirs of an Invisible Man."
September 1993: "The Chevy Chase Show" Premiere and Cancellation
Chevy Chase's foray into late-night talk shows, "The Chevy Chase Show," premiered on Fox in September 1993. Despite high expectations, it was cancelled after five weeks.
September 23, 1993: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Chevy Chase received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on September 23, 1993, recognizing his contributions to the entertainment industry.
1993: Hasty Pudding Man of the Year and Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Chevy Chase was honored as Hasty Pudding's Man of the Year and received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.
1993: "The Chevy Chase Show" Premieres
In 1993, Chevy Chase hosted his own late-night talk show, "The Chevy Chase Show", which was short-lived.
1994: Release of "Cops and Robbersons"
Chevy Chase starred in the film "Cops and Robbersons."
1995: Release of "Man of the House"
Chevy Chase starred alongside Farrah Fawcett in the moderately successful film "Man of the House."
1996: Harvard Lampoon Lifetime Achievement Award
Chevy Chase was honored with the Harvard Lampoon's Lifetime Achievement Award.
1997: Last Time Hosting Saturday Night Live
Chevy Chase last hosted "Saturday Night Live" in 1997.
1997: Release of "Vegas Vacation"
Chevy Chase returned to his successful Vacation franchise with "Vegas Vacation."
1998: Golden Palm Star
A Golden Palm Star was dedicated to Chevy Chase on the Palm Springs Walk of Stars.
1999: Saturday Night Live 25th Anniversary Special
Chevy Chase appeared on "Saturday Night Live's" 25th anniversary special in 1999.
2000: Release of "Snow Day"
Chevy Chase appeared in the successful family film "Snow Day."
2001: Appearance as Land Shark on Weekend Update
Chevy Chase appeared as the Land Shark on "Weekend Update" in 2001.
2002: Release of "Orange County"
Chevy Chase appeared in the comedy "Orange County."
2002: Comedy Central Roast
Chevy Chase was the subject of a Comedy Central Roast in 2002, known for its particularly harsh jokes, even for a roast.
2003: Former Roommate Disputes Expulsion Story
In 2003, Chevy Chase's former roommate at Haverford College disputed the claim that Chase was expelled for keeping a cow in his dorm room.
2004: Support for John Kerry's Presidential Campaign
A self-described political liberal, Chevy Chase campaigned for John Kerry during the 2004 presidential election.
2004: Controversial Remarks about President George W. Bush
Chevy Chase sparked controversy in 2004 when he made offensive remarks about President George W. Bush at a People for the American Way event.
2005: Death of Chevy Chase's Parents
Chevy Chase experienced the loss of both his father and mother in 2005.
2005: NBC Special on Early Years of SNL
Chevy Chase was interviewed for an NBC special focusing on the first five years of "Saturday Night Live" in 2005.
2005: Death of Both of Chevy Chase's Parents
Tragically, both of Chevy Chase's parents passed away in 2005.
November 3, 2006: Guest Appearance on "Law & Order"
On November 3, 2006, Chevy Chase guest-starred in an episode of the popular television series "Law & Order" as an anti-Semitic murder suspect.
2007: Appearance on Weekend Update
Chevy Chase appeared in a segment of "Weekend Update" in 2007.
2007: Chevy Chase Reveals Childhood Abuse
In 2007, Chevy Chase opened up about the physical and psychological abuse he endured during his childhood at the hands of his mother and stepfather.
2009: Return to Television with "Community"
Chevy Chase joined the cast of the NBC sitcom "Community" in 2009, playing the role of Pierce Hawthorne, a wealthy but out-of-touch older man.
2009: Joins the Cast of "Community"
Chevy Chase joined the cast of the NBC sitcom "Community" in 2009, playing the role of Pierce Hawthorne.
2009: Chevy Chase Discusses College Expulsion
During an interview on the "Today" show in 2009, Chevy Chase seemed to confirm the rumor that he was expelled from college for having a cow in his room.
2009: Voice Role in "Family Guy"
In 2009, Chevy Chase lent his voice to an episode of the animated sitcom "Family Guy" alongside Dan Aykroyd.
2010: "Hot Tub Time Machine" and Other Appearances
Chevy Chase appeared in the comedy film "Hot Tub Time Machine" and a short online film featuring the Griswold family in 2010. He also participated in the Funny or Die sketch "Presidential Reunion" as President Ford.
2010: Comments on Past Drug Use
In 2010, Chevy Chase downplayed his past struggles with drug abuse, describing it as "low level".
2012: Departure from "Community"
Chevy Chase's time on "Community" ended in 2012 after a series of disagreements about his character and the show's direction, including an on-set outburst.
2013: Five-Timers Club Appearance
In 2013, Chevy Chase appeared as a member of the Five-Timers Club during Justin Timberlake's monologue, reuniting with his "Three Amigos" co-stars.
2014: Departs from "Community"
Chevy Chase's time on "Community" ended in 2014.
February 2015: Saturday Night Live 40th Anniversary Special
Chevy Chase participated in the 40th anniversary special of "Saturday Night Live" in February 2015.
February 2015: Chevy Chase Ranked Among Top SNL Cast Members
In February 2015, "Rolling Stone" magazine ranked Chevy Chase as the tenth most important cast member in the history of "Saturday Night Live".
2015: Reprising Clark Griswold in "Vacation"
Chevy Chase briefly reprised his iconic role as Clark Griswold in the 2015 installment of the "Vacation" franchise. Despite mixed reviews, the film performed well commercially.
September 2016: Treatment for Alcoholism
Chevy Chase checked himself into the Hazelden Clinic in September 2016 to address issues related to alcoholism.
2019: Role in "The Last Laugh"
Chevy Chase co-starred with Richard Dreyfuss in the Netflix film "The Last Laugh" in 2019.
2021: Laraine Newman Reflects on Chase-Murray Fight
In 2021, Laraine Newman, a former "Saturday Night Live" castmate, shared her perspective on the infamous fight between Chase and Murray, describing it as a "sad and painful" event fueled by personal attacks.