Chevy Chase Discusses Health Scare

Chevy Chase has shared details about a significant health scare that resulted in a five-week hospitalization.

In the forthcoming documentary, “I’m Chevy Chase, You’re Not,” set to air on CNN on January 1, the 82-year-old actor talks about his heart condition alongside his daughter, Caylee. “I’m basically back from the dead,” he reflects in the film.

Chase’s wife, Jani, recounts a harrowing moment when he was rushed to the emergency room. “Something is wrong, and he couldn’t explain it to me,” she said, adding, “his heart had stopped.” She explains that Chase developed cardiomyopathy due to years of drinking, a condition that hampers the heart’s ability to pump blood.

Longtime friend Peter Aaron appears in the documentary, revealing that doctors placed Chase in a coma for about eight days following his heart problems.

According to Caylee, doctors advised the family to “prepare for the worst,” indicating uncertainty about his recovery.

After the hospitalization, Chase expressed his relief to be home with family. “I feel great,” he said at the time, noting the ordeal was related to a heart issue but without delving into specifics.

In a previous interview with The Washington Post in 2018, he mentioned his diagnosis of alcohol cardiomyopathy, highlighting the impact excessive drinking can have on heart health. “That’s what heart failure is like,” he remarks in the documentary, adding, “I’m fine now.”

Known for his role in “National Lampoon’s Vacation,” Chase first gained fame as one of the original cast members on “Saturday Night Live.” Interestingly, he left the show after its first season to pursue a music career.

The iconic sketch comedy show recently celebrated its 50th anniversary with a special live event, reuniting past and present cast members. However, Chase was notably absent from the stage during the celebration, despite attending the event.

Chase shared his feelings about being omitted. “It was actually upsetting in a way,” he admitted. “I thought I would have been on stage with the other actors. I was wondering why I didn’t go. No one asked me to… It hurt.” He later reached out to “SNL” creator Lorne Michaels, only to have it downplayed as a joke, but he still felt a sense of exclusion.