He drove the Chevrolet to the embankment.
Chevy Chase, now 82, is featured in CNN’s latest documentary titled “I’m Chevy Chase, You’re Not,” set to air on January 1 at 8 p.m. ET.
The film chronicles Chase’s groundbreaking comedy journey, starting from his breakout role on “SNL” in 1975 through to his fall from grace in 2013, when he was abruptly let go from “Community.”
It also dives into facets of his personal life, covering his three marriages, his “difficult” persona, battles with cocaine addiction, and his rise as a movie star in iconic films like Caddyshack and National Lampoon’s Vacation.
One major revelation stands out.
Claims of Maternal Abuse
Chase’s parents divorced when he was just four, leading to both remarrying. He alleges that his mother, Katherine Parker, was abusive.
His wife, Jani, 68, recounted a disturbing first night: “The first time I went to wake him up, he was shaking. Chase shared that his mother would wake him up with slaps.”
Chase described his mother, who passed away in 2005, as “an out-of-control woman.” Reflecting on their relationship, he noted, “I feel sorry for her. She had her own problems but was physically abusive to me.”
Cocaine Use in the Spotlight
“People were using drugs to enhance their success,” reminisced Alan Zweibel, a former SNL writer from 1975-1980.
Co-star Dan Aykroyd added, “We explored various substances; it was a common thing then.”
Journalist James Andrew Miller mentioned that the crew was particularly concerned about Chase’s heavy drug use.
Producer Alan Greisman shared a story from the late 1970s about an incident in Hawaii involving Chase and a unique method of storing cocaine in a shaving cream can.
When asked about the story, Chase confirmed it with a laugh, “Sometimes the cocaine would arrive by mail!”
His brother, Ned, recalled a gathering in L.A. where a notable amount of cocaine was present on the table.
During the making of Chase’s 1981 film Modern Problems, Greisman said Chase wasn’t cooperative, saying he needed to revise the script over snorting cocaine during discussions.
Reflecting on this, a producer noted it was odd that Chase would prepare drugs alone, seemingly unconcerned about the group around him.
The Desire to Be Liked
Chase is often labeled as “difficult.” Greisman commented, “Working with him can be an unpleasant experience, something he may not even realize.”
Former “SNL” star Garrett Morris, 88, noted that Chase might have been harsh, but he displayed similar traits himself.
Zweibel observed that Chase’s demeanor has become harsher with age. “What used to be an instinctive comedic touch now feels just mean.”
Chase himself reflected, “I don’t know what to say about those who dislike me, except, I guess, they’re not fans. I want to be liked, not hated, and I think that’s common to everyone.”
Experiences on “Community”
Jay Chandrasekhar, who directed “Community,” noted that although he and Chase had engaging interactions, there was often a negative aura surrounding Chase and the cast.
Chase’s wife, Jani, commented that during this period, he started to realize his age difference with the younger cast members.
Chase’s manager mentioned that he was particularly susceptible to the cast’s jibes. “It was widely known he could be challenging, but nobody stepped in.”
Chase faced ridicule at a wrap party where his daughter Kaylee recalled a situation where Dan Harmon publicly berated him.
Chase was apparently stricken by this treatment, which Kaylee described as harsh.
Expulsion from “Community”
Kaylee stated her father was depicted in a growingly bigoted light on the show, which upset him.
Chandrasekhar discussed the atmosphere on the set, recalling tensions between Chase and co-star Yvette Nicole Brown.
Following their fallout, Chase attempted to dismiss any issues, arguing past racial exchanges were comedic rather than offensive.
Ultimately, there was a significant on-set incident where Chase lost his composure, feeling betrayed.
Struggles with Alcohol
Jani noted Chase’s frequent purchases of organic red wine during his “Community” tenure, which later escalated into addiction.
She affirmed he wasn’t an alcoholic throughout their marriage but felt his drinking had taken a more controlling turn.
Kaylee brought attention to her father’s behavior on set, questioning if he was drinking.
Health Challenges
In 2021, Chase faced severe health issues due to heart failure, resulting in an alarming hospitalization.
Jani reported a chaotic emergency room visit where his heart stopped, and doctors attributed his condition to alcohol-induced cardiomyopathy.
Friends revealed the severity of the situation, indicating doctors were uncertain of his recovery.
Kaylee remarked on his miraculous return to health, likening it to coming back from the dead.
Excluded from ‘SNL 50’
Chase expressed disappointment over not participating in the “SNL 50” anniversary event.
Despite receiving assurances, the final arrangements excluded him, leaving him feeling sidelined.
The aftermath seemed to trouble him deeply, as he expected to share the stage with fellow cast members.
He reflected on feeling overlooked and confused about the choices made for the event, leading to an unresolved sense of hurt.
In closing, Chase, somewhat bewildered, noted a significant oversight in his absence, feeling he deserved a place alongside his peers on stage.
