Chevy Chase

Cornelius Crane 'Chevy' Chase was born on October 8, 1943, in Lower Manhattan, New York City. He was raised in a prominent family, being a descendant of several illustrious figures in American history. Chevy showed early interest in entertainment, eventually leading him to pursue a career in comedy and acting. He attended Bard College and graduated in 1967, after which he began his career performing in comedy ensembles.

Chevy Chase becomes a breakout star on October 11, 1975, with his performances in 'Saturday Night Live' (SNL), an American late-night live television sketch comedy show. Chase was one of the original cast members and became famous for his recurring role as the anchor of 'Weekend Update', where his opening line, 'I'm Chevy Chase, and you're not,' became iconic. His work on SNL launched his career as a leading actor and comedian.

Chevy Chase stars as Clark Griswold in 'National Lampoon's Vacation', released on June 8, 1983. The film, directed by Harold Ramis and written by John Hughes, follows the misadventures of the Griswold family as they set out on a cross-country trip to the Walley World theme park. Chase's portrayal of the bumbling yet endearing father became a defining role and led to several sequels. The film was both a critical and commercial success.

'Spies Like Us', released on December 6, 1985, features Chevy Chase alongside Dan Aykroyd as two bumbling government employees sent on a secret mission in the Cold War. The film, directed by John Landis, was a comedic take on espionage and featured several cameos by famous directors and actors. Chevy Chase delivered an entertaining performance that complemented Aykroyd's, making the film a popular comedic flick in the 1980s.

Chevy Chase reprises his role as Clark Griswold in 'National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation', released on December 1, 1989. The film uniquely focuses on the holiday season and Griswold's attempts to create the perfect family Christmas. As expected, everything goes hilariously wrong. The movie became a holiday classic, much-loved for its humor and festive spirit, firmly establishing Chevy Chase as a comedic icon of the holiday genre.

In 'Last Action Hero', Chevy Chase had a brief cameo as himself. The movie, released on November 5, 1993, was an action-comedy film starring Arnold Schwarzenegger and directed by John McTiernan. It played with the notion of movie reality versus real life, as a young boy's movie pass allows him to enter the movie world. Although not a central role, Chase's appearance showcased his influence and status in the film industry.

Chevy Chase stars as Pierce Hawthorne in the television sitcom 'Community', which premiered on September 17, 2009. The show was created by Dan Harmon and aired on NBC. Pierce is an eccentric and often inappropriate retiree who is attending community college alongside a diverse group of students. Chase's performance brought both humor and depth to the character, contributing to the show's cult status and critical acclaim over the years.

Chevy Chase departs 'Community' on September 8, 2012, after several tumultuous seasons marked by conflict with the show's creator, Dan Harmon, and other controversies. While Chase's departure wasn't immediate, tensions behind the scenes ultimately led to his exit midway through season four. He had played the character Pierce Hawthorne from the show's premiere in 2009, leaving a lasting impact on the series and its fan base.

In September 2018, Chevy Chase opened up about his struggles with alcohol and his journey towards sobriety, revealing he had checked into rehab earlier that year. At the age of 74, Chase spoke candidly in various interviews about the impact of alcoholism on his life and career. The candid revelation sparked public support and renewed interest in his personal and professional journey, indicating his resilience and drive to self-improvement.

By 2021, Chevy Chase found a new audience through streaming platforms where his famous films and television series, particularly 'National Lampoon's Vacation' movies and 'Community', were made accessible to a wider and younger audience. This resurgence in his popularity demonstrated the enduring appeal of his work and showcased his significant contribution to comedy and entertainment. Chase's performances continue to entertain new generations.