Chevy Chase, born Cornelius Crane Chase on October 8, 1943, is an American actor, comedian, and writer, best known for his work on Saturday Night Live and his roles in numerous comedy films. His unique brand of slapstick humor and physical comedy has earned him a place in the hearts of many comedy fans. However, Chase’s life has been marked by both success and controversy, making his story a compelling blend of triumph and challenge. From his early days in a prominent New York family to his rise in the entertainment industry, Chase’s journey is a fascinating tale of resilience and creativity.
PERSONAL INFORMATION
| Name | Chevy Chase |
|---|---|
| Nationality | United States |
| Place of Birth | Lower Manhattan |
| Date of Birth | 08 October 1943 |
| Age | 82 Years |
| Zodiac Sign | Libra |
| Birth Name | Cornelius Crane Chase |
| Gender | Male |
| Native Name | Chevy Chase |
| Languages Spoken | English |
| Native Language | English |
| Residence | Bedford |
PHYSICAL STATISTICS
| Height (in centimeters) | 192 cm |
|---|---|
| Height (in meters) | 1.92 m |
| Height (in feet inches) | 6′ 3″ |
FAMILY
| Mother | Cathaline Parker Widdoes |
|---|---|
| Father | Ned Chase |
| Children | Bryan Perkins |
EDUCATION
| Educated At | Bard College, Stockbridge School, Riverdale Country School, Haverford College, PS 6, Dalton School |
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CAREER
| Profession | actor, screenwriter, comedian, voice actor, television presenter, singer, television actor |
|---|---|
| Awards Received | Primetime Emmy Award, Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, Emmy Award, star on Hollywood Walk of Fame |
| Nominations | Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Writing for a Variety Series, Golden Globe Award for Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy, Golden Globe Award for New Star of the Year – Actor |
| Work Period Start | 1968 |
| Member Of | Writers Guild of America, East |
SOCIAL MEDIA & LINKS
| IMDB ID | nm0000331 |
|---|---|
| @ChevyChaseToGo | |
| @chevychase | |
| Wikipedia | Wikipedia |
Cost of becoming
The path to becoming Chevy Chase was not an easy one. Born into a wealthy family, Chase’s early life was marked by privilege and expectations. However, his desire to pursue a career in comedy and entertainment came with significant sacrifices. He dropped out of college and worked various odd jobs to support himself while honing his comedic skills. The financial strain and personal sacrifices were considerable, but Chase’s unwavering commitment to his craft ultimately paid off. His breakthrough with Saturday Night Live in the 1970s catapulted him to stardom, but the intense pressure and long hours took a toll on his personal life and health.
Identity before fame
Before he became a household name, Chevy Chase was Cornelius Crane Chase, born in New York City to a family with a rich history. His maternal grandfather was the influential architect Howard Crane, and his family’s connections to the financial and cultural elite of New York provided him with a privileged upbringing. Despite this, Chase was drawn to the more bohemian world of comedy and entertainment from a young age. He attended Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts, and later enrolled at the University of Southern California, where he studied architecture. However, he soon abandoned his studies to pursue his true passion for comedy.
Timeline
- 1943: Born in New York City
- 1958: Graduates from Phillips Academy in Andover, Massachusetts
- 1963: Enrolls at the University of Southern California but drops out to pursue comedy
- 1967: Begins performing stand-up comedy in clubs around Los Angeles
- 1975: Joins the original cast of Saturday Night Live
- 1978: Stars in the film National Lampoon’s Animal House
- 1983: Launches the National Lampoon Magazine and its series of films
- 1985: Stars in Caddyshack, which becomes a cult classic
- 1996: Suffers a serious neck injury in a skiing accident
- 2020: Continues to appear in television and film projects
Favourites
- Favorite Film: National Lampoon’s Animal House
- Favorite TV Show: Saturday Night Live
- Favorite Actor: Jack Lemmon
- Favorite Director: John Hughes
- Favorite Comedy Troupe: The Second City
- Favorite Sport: Golf
- Favorite Book: The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger
- Favorite Restaurant: The Palm in Los Angeles
Controversies
- 1975: Criticized for his portrayal of stereotypical characters on Saturday Night Live
- 1978: Allegedly insulted John Belushi on the set of National Lampoon’s Animal House
- 1986: Arrested for driving under the influence (DUI)
- 1996: Sued by colleagues over a ski accident in which he claimed they pushed him, leading to a serious neck injury
- 2009: Made derogatory comments about Barack Obama on a radio show
- 2011: Accused of racist and sexist remarks during a TV interview
- 2014: Filed a defamation lawsuit against The Daily Beast over an article accusing him of sexual misconduct
- 2015: Criticized for a series of ill-fated tweets that were deemed offensive
- 2018: Publicly feuded with his daughter,/javascript:void(0) totrigger/venues). Her public statement accused him of emotional and financial abuse
Control vs chaos
Chevy Chase’s life is a testament to the tension between control and chaos. Despite his privileged background, he chose a path that was unpredictable and often fraught with challenges. His early career in stand-up comedy and his breakthrough on Saturday Night Live required a level of control and discipline, but his personal life has often been marked by chaos. From financial troubles to personal disputes and health issues, Chase has faced numerous setbacks. Yet, his ability to maintain a sense of humor and resilience has been his greatest strength, allowing him to navigate the ups and downs of his career.
Emotional geography
The emotional landscape of Chevy Chase’s life is a complex tapestry of highs and lows. His childhood in a wealthy New York family provided him with opportunities but also placed significant expectations on him. The decision to pursue comedy was a rebellious act that defined his identity and shaped his career. Despite the fame and success, Chase’s personal life has been marked by a series of emotional challenges, from substance abuse to public controversies. However, his ability to find joy and laughter in the face of adversity is a profound testament to his emotional resilience and the enduring spirit of a true comedian.
FAQs
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What is Chevy Chase’s real name?
Chase’s real name is Cornelius Crane Chase.
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When was Chevy Chase born?
Chevy Chase was born on October 8, 1943.
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Where did Chevy Chase grow up?
Chevy Chase grew up in a wealthy family in New York City.
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What is Chevy Chase’s most famous film?
Chevy Chase’s most famous film is National Lampoon’s Animal House , released in 1978.
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How did Chevy Chase get his start in comedy?
Chevy Chase began his comedy career performing stand-up in clubs around Los Angeles in the late 1960s.
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What was Chevy Chase’s role on Saturday Night Live?
Chevy Chase was one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live and is known for his impersonations of President Gerald Ford.
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Has Chevy Chase been involved in any controversies?
Yes, Chevy Chase has been involved in several controversies, including derogatory comments, legal disputes, and public feuds.
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What are some of Chevy Chase’s favorite films?
Chevy Chase’s favorite film is National Lampoon’s Animal House .
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What is Chevy Chase’s favorite TV show?
Chevy Chase’s favorite TV show is Saturday Night Live .
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Did Chevy Chase attend college?
Yes, Chevy Chase briefly attended the University of Southern California but dropped out to pursue his career in comedy.
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What is Chevy Chase’s favorite sport?
Chevy Chase’s favorite sport is golf.
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Has Chevy Chase been married?
Yes, Chevy Chase has been married multiple times. His most notable marriage was to Glennys Jenssen, from whom he has a daughter.
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What is Chevy Chase’s net worth?
s of 2023, Chevy Chase’s net worth is estimated to be around $40 million.
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What are some of Chevy Chase’s recent projects?
Chevy Chase has continued to appear in both television and film projects, including roles in TV series and voice acting for animated films.
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Has Chevy Chase written any books?
Yes, Chevy Chase has written books, including a memoir titled Born to Run and a novel called Celtic Holmes .
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What is Chevy Chase’s favorite book?
Chevy Chase’s favorite book is The Catcher in the Rye by J.D. Salinger.
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What is Chevy Chase’s approach to comedy?
Chevy Chase’s approach to comedy is characterized by his physical humor and timing. He is known for his slapstick style and his ability to deliver quick, witty lines.
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How has Chevy Chase’s personal life affected his career?
Chevy Chase’s personal life, marked by controversies and health issues, has had both positive and negative impacts on his career. While it has sometimes overshadowed his professional achievements, it has also added to his public persona and the complexity of his character.
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What legacy does Chevy Chase leave in the world of comedy?
Chevy Chase’s legacy in the world of comedy is significant. He is remembered for his groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live and his iconic roles in films like National Lampoon’s Animal House . His influence on the genre continues to inspire new generations of comedians.