Actor Chevy Chase discusses a serious health scare that resulted in a five-week hospital stay due to a heart issue. In the upcoming documentary, I’m Chevy Chase and You’re Not, set to premiere on January 1, 2024, on CNN, the 82-year-old actor reflects on the events surrounding his hospitalization and recovery, with poignant insights from his family.
Chase’s health crisis began in 2021 when he experienced a sudden heart failure. His daughter, Caley Chase, revealed in the documentary that her father “has basically come back from the dead.” She narrated the harrowing experience of rushing to the emergency room when Chase’s heart stopped. His wife, Jayni Chase, added that doctors had diagnosed him with cardiomyopathy, a condition where the heart muscles weaken and struggle to pump blood effectively.
Doctors placed Chase into a coma for approximately eight days to stabilize his condition. His longtime friend, Peter Aaron, also shared insights into the severity of the situation, noting that the medical team warned the family to “prepare yourselves for the worst.” They faced uncertainty regarding whether he would recover and, if he did, how much of his former self would return.
During his recovery, Chase spent five weeks in hospital care. Although he initially refrained from discussing the specifics of his health problems, he later told Page Six that he was relieved to be back at home with his family. “I’m feeling good,” he stated, highlighting his gratitude for returning to a normal routine after such a frightening ordeal.
In the documentary, Chase candidly discusses his diagnosis of alcohol cardiomyopathy, which he had previously mentioned in a 2018 interview with The Washington Post. He described heart failure as a significant challenge but assured viewers that he is “fine now.”
Chase is best known for his role as one of the original cast members of Saturday Night Live, where he made his mark in Hollywood. He was the first cast member to depart the show after its inaugural season, aiming to pursue a music career. Recently, the iconic sketch comedy series celebrated its 50th anniversary with a live special, but Chase felt slighted by not being included in a performance segment, despite attending the event.
Reflecting on this experience in the documentary, he expressed disappointment at being overlooked, stating, “It was kind of upsetting, actually.” He reached out to the show’s creator Lorne Michaels about his exclusion but later dismissed it as a joke. Still, he admitted feeling that “somebody made a mistake” and noted that it “hurt” to be sidelined during such a significant milestone for the show.
Chase’s story of resilience and recovery resonates with many, particularly as he shares a candid look at his health struggles and personal reflections. The upcoming documentary promises to shed light on not only his health challenges but also his enduring legacy in the entertainment industry.
