Chevy Chase

Cornelius Crane “Chevy” Chase was born on October 8, 1943, in Lower Manhattan, New York. His upbringing was in a prominent family; his mother, Cathalene Parker, was a concert pianist and librettist, and his father, Edward Tinsley Chase, was an editor and writer. From an early age, Chase exhibited an aptitude for comedy. He attended Bard College, graduating in 1967 with a Bachelor of Arts in English. Before his television career, Chase was involved in an underground comedy ensemble called Channel One, co-founded in 1967, and was a writer for The Smothers Brothers TV show. He also contributed to The National Lampoon Radio Hour as a writer and cast member, alongside future Saturday Night Live colleagues. He made his film debut in The Groove Tube (1974).

Chase rose to prominence as an original cast member of Saturday Night Live (SNL) from its debut in 1975 until 1976. During his tenure, he became known for his physical comedy and signature Weekend Update segment, characterized by his deadpan delivery and catchphrase, “I’m Chevy Chase… and you’re not.” His portrayal of President Gerald Ford, featuring comedic pratfalls, solidified his early fame. His work on SNL earned him two Primetime Emmy Awards. Following his departure from SNL, Chase embarked on a successful film career throughout the 1980s, starring in hits such as Foul Play (1978), Caddyshack (1980), the National Lampoon’s Vacation series (beginning in 1983), and the Fletch films (beginning in 1985).

While his career experienced fluctuations in the 1990s, with films like Memoirs of an Invisible Man (1992) and Cops & Robbersons (1994) performing less successfully, Chase continued acting. He achieved a late-career resurgence with his role as Pierce Hawthorne in the critically acclaimed NBC sitcom Community (2009–2014). More recently, he has appeared in films like The Last Laugh (2019) and The Christmas Letter (2024), continuing his involvement in the entertainment industry.